Orlando Pirates’ rising star, Relebohile Mofokeng, has ascended to the pinnacle of South African sport by clinching the coveted Sports Personality of the Year award. At just 20 years old, Mofokeng triumphed over sporting heavyweights including Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams, UFC middleweight sensation Dricus Du Plessis, and Olympic medalist Tatjana Schoenmaker.
A Night to Remember
The prestigious ceremony at the University of Johannesburg’s Auckland Park Campus brought together South Africa’s finest athletes to celebrate outstanding achievements. Mofokeng’s remarkable performances on the football pitch earned him the spotlight in a field stacked with talent.
Although unable to attend the event due to Orlando Pirates’ CAF Champions League commitments in Algeria, his mother, Naomi Mofokeng, accepted the award on his behalf. Speaking with pride, she said, “As Relebohile’s mother, I feel deeply honored to receive this award for him. He is a humble, respectful young man, and I am grateful to everyone who recognized his efforts.”
Mofokeng’s Meteoric Rise
Under the guidance of Pirates coach José Riveiro, Mofokeng has blossomed into one of South Africa’s brightest footballing talents. This season, he has already contributed four goals and five assists in just 15 appearances, cementing his role as a linchpin in the Buccaneers’ attacking setup.
His performances have not only powered Pirates to consecutive MTN8 triumphs but also played a key role in their Nedbank Cup success. Recognized as the PSL Young Player of the Season last year, Mofokeng continues to raise the bar with each outing.
His stellar form has also earned him regular call-ups to the Bafana Bafana squad, showcasing his ability to compete at the highest level.
Looking Ahead
While the award is a testament to Mofokeng’s talent and dedication, there’s little time for celebration. Pirates are preparing for their CAF Champions League Group C opener against CR Belouizdad, where Mofokeng is expected to play a crucial role.
At just 20 years old, Relebohile Mofokeng has already established himself as a household name in South African sport, embodying a golden future for football in the country.
