Mofokeng named 2026 SAFJA Men’s Footballer of the Year

Former Orlando Pirates winger Relebohile Mofokeng has been named the 2026 Men’s Footballer of the Year by the South African Football Journalists Association (SAFJA).

The 22-year-old was recognised for his outstanding 2025/26 season with the Buccaneers, before completing his move to Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.

Mofokeng was a key figure in Orlando Pirates’ successful campaign, scoring 11 goals and providing nine assists in 36 appearances. His contribution helped the Sea Robbers secure a domestic treble.

The award adds to a growing collection of individual honours for the Bafana winger. At the PSL awards, he was named PSL Footballer of the Season, Betway Premiership Players’ Player of the Season and Betway Premiership Young Player of the Season.

He was selected ahead of Teboho Mokoena, Oswin Appollis and Lebone Seema for the SAFJA award, continuing a rapid rise that began with his debut for Orlando Pirates.

Mofokeng’s recognition came as part of the 2026 SAFJA awards, which also honoured achievements in women’s football and sports journalism.

Leandra Smeda of TS Galaxy Queens was voted the 2026 SAFJA Women’s Footballer of the Year.

Njabulo Ngidi of Media 24 collected two awards, being named both Journalist of the Year and Written Journalist of the Year.

Mpho Maboi of SuperSport won Broadcast Journalist of the Year, while Kamogelo Motecwane of Sporty TV was named Young Journalist of the Year.

Sydney Mahlangu of Backpage Media received the Photojournalist of the Year award.