Pirates face difficult task replacing Mofokeng, says Myeni

Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Sifiso Myeni says he is struggling to see how the club will replace Relebohile Mofokeng after the midfielder’s move to Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.

Mofokeng was named the standout player of the 2025/26 PSL season, winning both the Footballer of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season awards after completing his transfer to the Belgian club.

The 21-year-old played a prominent role for Orlando Pirates during their treble-winning campaign, operating primarily in the number 10 position. His departure has prompted debate over whether the Soweto club can find a player capable of filling the creative gap he has left behind.

Pirates have added several players to their squad, although most of those arrivals have been midfielders. Mthetheleli Mthiyane, Matome Mmolai and Thapelo Mokobodi are among the new signings, while Abdoulaye Mariko and Simphiwe Selepe have also emerged in midfield during the club’s pre-season tour of Spain.

Myeni believes replacing Mofokeng directly will be extremely difficult, but says Pirates still need to recruit a specialist number 10.

“I saw the glimpse of what the coach is trying to do, someone commented that Pirates can play with eleven midfielders on the field, that’s how packed it is. I’m happy that the core of the team is still there, maybe a few guys left like Rele…I’m still struggling (to see who is going to replace Mofokeng),” Myeni said on omniaudioafrica YouTube Channel.

The former Pirates midfielder acknowledged that the club had strengthened its defensive midfield options, but questioned whether the squad had enough creativity to support Patrick Maswanganyi.

“Yes, we’re signing holding midfielders but we have not found a number ten. We won’t find another Rele, let’s be honest. But we still need someone who is going to help ‘Tito’ (Patrick Maswanganyi) in that position.

“Because he can’t play well all the time, he needs someone to help him out and now we’re busy stacking up the midfield, not knowing if they will be (trying) to play like Bafana Bafana, three holding midfielders and no creativity, we don’t know. But sometimes the pre-season shows you something else,” Myeni added.

Maswanganyi is currently the main player associated with the number 10 role at Pirates, but Myeni believes he needs competition and support rather than being expected to carry the creative responsibility alone throughout the season.

The club’s recruitment drive has therefore left a significant number of midfielders competing for places, while the position vacated by Mofokeng remains unresolved. Pirates’ pre-season matches in Spain may offer coach and supporters a clearer indication of how the team will approach the challenge.

Orlando Pirates begin their 2026/27 Betway Premiership campaign on Saturday afternoon when they face Milford at Orlando Amstel Arena.