Relebohile Mofokeng: 5 European leagues that suit Orlando Pirates forward

MC Alger coach Rulani Mokwena revealed on Monday that his side cannot sign Orlando Pirates forward Relebohile Mofokeng because the player has his heart on a European club.

Mokwena admitted he is among Mofokeng’s suitors and even while he would like to sign him, he knows his club cannot afford him while the player is not interested in playing in Africa.

This came just three days after Rele admitted he was hoping for a move abroad after the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, giving credence to reports that the winger has little time left at Pirates.

Mofokeng has been linked with moves abroad since 2024 and also received plenty of offers and as he weighs his options ahead of a potential departure after the 2026 World Cup, which European leagues would suit the 21-year-old?

Belgium

Mofokeng has the quality to thrive in Belgium where teams like to give young players a chance and are patient to allow them climatise and also develop.

This what Shandre Campbell is getting at Club Brugge and Rele would benefit greatly from signing for either a top or midtable Belgian side which will given him the platform to showcase his skills before a major jump to the top teams in Europe.

France

Not PSG, Marseille or even Lyon, clubs that would put him in the spotlight and leave him under huge scrutiny but certainly a midtable team in France.

Clubs like Rennes, Strasbourg, Brest, Monaco or Lorient would be the perfect place for Rele to continue his development as he would be given gametime and afforded a chance to make his mistakes without the pressure of fighting relegation or for the title.  

Portugal

Already, a number of South African players have succeeded in Portugal with Bafana Bafana midfielder Sphephelo Sithole and winger Kabomelo Kodisang among them, and Mofokeng could be the next in line.

The Pirates star would do well to avoid the traditional ‘Big Three’ of Sporting CP, FC Porto and Benfica, who are unlikely to go in for him anyway, but he can thrive at clubs that traditionally do not fight relegation or compete for the title, where pressure is less.

So many players have made the jump from the Portuguese league to the Premier League and nothing would stop Rele from following that route if he succeeded in the country.

Scotland

Another good destination for Mofokeng would be the Scottish Premiership, the only downside being the weather.

It can get cold in Scotland sometimes and if he can overcome that, then he can make a success of his career in any of the top 10 clubs in the league as he has the quality to play every week.

English Championship

While the shortest route to the Premier League is through the aforementioned leagues, Mofokeng could make it even shorter by signing for a second-tier club in England.

The Championship is one of the toughest leagues in Europe and it is more lucrative than some top leagues in the world which would afford the Pirates forward a great opportunity to showcase his talents and still earn good money.

Rele’s qualities when it comes to one-on-one situations, pace and an eye for a good pass can make him an instant hit in the Championship and it wouldn’t be long before Premier League clubs start to knock on the door.