Orlando Pirates midfielder Relebohile Mofokeng adapting and delivering as stakes rise

Orlando Pirates midfielder Relebohile Mofokeng says the pressure he has faced in recent times is something he has learned to live with, using it as fuel to maintain high standards in his performances.

Mofokeng and his Pirates teammates remain firmly in contention for the Betway Premiership title and look well placed to launch a serious challenge for the crown for a second successive season. 

A product of the Buccaneers’ youth development system, the 21-year-old has risen swiftly through the ranks and is widely viewed as one of the most exciting prospects in South African football.

With competition for places at both club and international level, Mofokeng has not been a guaranteed starter in recent months, a situation compounded by an injury earlier in the campaign. However, the attacking midfielder believes that embracing pressure, rather than avoiding it, is key to success.

Currently on duty with Bafana Bafana at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) where they faced Cameroon in the Round of 16 in Rabat last night, Mofokeng has largely been deployed in cameo roles, a responsibility he has welcomed as he looks to make decisive contributions for both club and country.

“It forces me to be an impact player,” Mofokeng said of coming off the bench.

“I have been an impact player back with my team, and it wasn’t that hard for me to adjust to being an impact player with the national team.

"I can read a game and I am able to change games; it is just a matter of being able to do it at the national team.

“I do not necessarily feel the pressure, but as a player who wants his team to win and to change the game, there will always be pressure. I come onto the field with the team already under pressure, so all I ually have to do is help them get to our desired goal.”

Despite his young age, Mofokeng has already carried considerable responsibility, particularly last season when Pirates leaned heavily on him during their strong push for the league title.

The early stages of the current campaign were more challenging, with the midfielder struggling to find the consistency he showed last season.

As part of one of the youngest Pirates squads in recent memory, Mofokeng continues to be surrounded by emerging talent from the club’s academy.

Graduates such as Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Mohau Nkota have already secured moves abroad, joining Chicago Fire and Al Ettifaq respectively, and Mofokeng could soon follow a similar path given the quality he possesses.

The number 10 role continues to be a significant topic in South African football, with a lack of consistency in the position and few players firmly staking a claim. Even Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has rotated several options since Themba Zwane previously showed promise in the role.

Mofokeng has featured in the position at club level and has not ruled out occupying it for the national team should the opportunity arise.

“Before I got to the national team, I played in the number 10 role for my club, and I think that if I were to be handed that chance, I could make good use of that opportunity," said the youngster, who is also looking to make the cut in the 2026 World Cup squad.

“I have already learned a lot, especially about being a forward player, particularly the number ten role. You need to score and assist, and those are the things I will be working on heading back home.”