Rulani reveals how ‘aggressive’ Pirates beat Sundowns to Mofokeng’s signing

Pyramids coach Rulani Mokwena has opened up about how Mamelodi Sundowns were beaten to the signing of Relebohile Mofokeng by Orlando Pirates.

Mofokeng is currently one of the biggest talents to come from South Africa as his stature continues to grow even after leaving Pirates for Belgian side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise in the summer transfer window.

The 21-year-old left Pirates as a superstar despite playing for the senior side for only three seasons, having guided them to numerous trophies, including the Premier Soccer League last season.

Mofokeng honed his skills at the School of Excellence before Pirates snapped him up for their DStv Diski Challenge team and it was not long before ex-coach Jose Riveiro promoted him to the senior side.

Rulani on how Sundowns missed Mofokeng

Mokwena says he recommended the player to Sundowns after watching him at the School of Excellence but Pirates moved with speed before the Brazilians could make up their mind.

“One thing that I have to say, and Shawn Bishop, if you get a chance to speak to him, will tell you, there was an Engen Knockout match between School of Excellence and Orlando Pirates,” Mokwena said during an interview with South African Football Journalists Association.

“Immediately I got onto the phone to Shawn, who was the Head of Youth and Methodology and Coaching with the academy at Sundowns. And I said, ‘Shawn, there’s a number 10 that you have to sign at School of Excellence.’

“Orlando Pirates was very, very aggressive with trying to also secure him.”

Why Pirates was best move for young Rele

Mokwena, however, feels that Pirates was indeed the right move Mofokeng as he doubts whether he would have been given the opportunity to fully blossom at Sundowns as he got at the Soweto giants.

“He could have, he could have been at Sundowns, but we then we wouldn’t know whether the story would be the same or not. But Olando Pirates was very important for him because they gave him the opportunity to play,” he added.

“He needed the change room with the capacity of the coaches and the club and the mentorship that Pirates provides. and he’s become he’s become an incredible an incredible ambassador not just for South African football but for Pirates too.

“So I think he’s a boy that will achieve a lot of great things,” he further stated about the playmaker, who made 125 appearances for Pirates, scoring 29 goals and adding 31 assists, before leaving for Belgium.

Mofokeng has started life in Europe in fine fashion as he has so far scored four goals and provided an assist in nine games.