Mofokeng says Orlando Pirates will always have a special place in his heart

Relebohile Mofokeng says he becomes emotional when discussing Orlando Pirates, crediting the Soweto club with transforming his life and helping launch his career.

The 21-year-old former Pirates winger described playing for the club as a privilege and said he would remain a Buccaneer regardless of where his career takes him.

“When I speak about Pirates, I get emotional because there is nothing they didn’t do for me,” Mofokeng told SuperSportTV.

“They changed my life completely. They told me when I arrived that we are going to change your life, so be prepared to listen and be humble.

“That’s a team I will always appreciate; I will always support. I will always be a Buccaneer. I hope they do well and they have to continue prospering because what they are doing now; they are taking players to abroad every season. They have to continue with that. I think they are doing very well.”

Mofokeng joined the Orlando Pirates academy in 2022 after developing at the Transnet School of Excellence. Over three years, he progressed through the club’s structures before establishing himself in the first team.

He made 108 official appearances for the Buccaneers in all competitions, scoring 20 goals and providing 26 assists.

His performances contributed to Pirates winning five trophies, including consecutive MTN8 and Nedbank Cup titles. He ended his final domestic season by collecting both the 2025–26 PSL Footballer of the Season and Young Player of the Season awards.

The Sharpeville-born attacker’s rise made him one of the most prolific teenage talents in modern South African football before he secured a move to Europe.

In July 2026, Mofokeng completed a record R65.3 million (€3.5 million) transfer to Belgian Pro League side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.

He made an immediate impact in Belgium by helping his new club win the 2026 Belgian Super Cup. Although he has frequently been used as an impact substitute, the Bafana Bafana international has made a strong start to life abroad.

Mofokeng has scored 4 goals and supplied 1 assist in his first 8 appearances across the Belgian top flight and the UEFA Europa League, underlining his quick adaptation to European football.

Despite leaving Pirates, he remains grateful to the club for the role it played in turning him from an aspiring youngster into a recognised name in South African football.