Quinton Fortune: Orlando Pirates face major blow after Relebohile Mofokeng exit

Former Manchester United midfielder Quinton Fortune believes Orlando Pirates will feel the loss of Relebohile Mofokeng as they attempt to challenge Mamelodi Sundowns for the Betway Premiership title.

Mofokeng has left Orlando Pirates to continue his career in Europe, and Fortune says the departure removes the Soweto club’s most important player at a time when they are competing with financially powerful champions Sundowns.

“Relebohile Mofokeng has left for Europe now, and he was Pirates’ main playerwhereas Mamelodi Sundowns have the money,” Fortune told IOL in an exclusive interview, courtesy of Premier Bet.

Fortune expects Sundowns and Orlando Pirates to remain the leading contenders for domestic honours, but believes the balance of power could shift because of Mofokeng’s departure.

Sundowns’ financial strength, recruitment strategy and recent success have made them the side to beat in South African football. They have also won the CAF Champions League, further underlining their status as the continent’s leading club.

Fortune, a Bafana Bafana legend, never played domestic football in South Africa. He moved abroad at an early age to join Tottenham Hotspur’s youth academy, before going on to enjoy a distinguished seven-year spell with Manchester United during one of the club’s most successful periods.

Despite spending much of his playing career overseas, Fortune said he continued to follow football in South Africa closely. His strongest domestic allegiance remains with Kaizer Chiefs, the club he supported while growing up.

“Kaizer Chiefs were the team I loved growing up in South Africa,” Fortune said. “One of my favourite players as a teenager was Nelson ‘Teenage’ Dladla, who played for a great Chiefs side.

“They’ve always had amazing teams, but now Sundowns are stepping up, putting down the money, and buying the best young players. They recruit from abroad and bring in foreign coaches. I understand their facilities are top-tier. They are champions of Africathey won the CAF Champions Leagueand that says it all.”

Orlando Pirates recently ended Sundowns’ long-standing dominance of the league, a development Fortune believes can only benefit South African football.

He does not expect Sundowns to win every season, although he anticipates the club will respond by rebuilding and strengthening their squad. Fortune also hopes Kaizer Chiefs can return to the top of the domestic game.

“Of course, it’s not going to be a case of Sundowns winning every single season. I’m glad Pirates broke their spell, but I’m sure Sundowns will regroup and strengthen their squad. They will always be the team to beat, but I still love Chiefs.

“They’re my team in South Africa. I grew up watching them for yearsand Pirates too, because the great Jomo Sono played for thembut I’m rooting for Chiefs. I hope they can get back to the top.”

Fortune’s comments come as attention turns to another closely fought Betway Premiership campaign, with Mamelodi Sundowns seeking to reclaim control and Orlando Pirates facing the challenge of replacing their influential playmaker.

Photo: RODGER BOSCH / AFP