Relebohile Mofokeng wins R200,000 bet after Orlando Pirates end title wait

Relebohile Mofokeng secured a house of his choice after winning a R200 000 wager with Orlando Pirates chairman Dr Irvin Khoza over the club’s league title challenge.

The bet was made before the start of the campaign, when Khoza asked the young attacker to consider overseas offers for his services. Mofokeng instead chose to remain with Pirates for another season.

The story was revealed during the season two finale of the Giants documentary, as Mofokeng recalled the conversation that took place in Khoza’s office during pre-season.

“Before pre-season started, we were in his office and he showed me the offers I had and asked me if I wanted to leave and where I want to go. Then I told him ‘I’m not in a rush Mr Chair’ I asked him to give me one more season,” Mofokeng said.

According to Mofokeng’s father, Sechaba, that decision led to an unusual agreement between the player and the Pirates chairman.

If Pirates failed to win the league, Mofokeng would pay Khoza R200 000. But if the Buccaneers ended their 14-year wait for the title, Khoza promised to buy the forward a house of his choice.

“So they made a bet, if they didn’t win the league, he [Mofokeng] would give the Chairman R200 000. He said, if I win the league, the Chairman would buy him any house of his choice,” Sechaba said.

Mofokeng said he was stunned when the terms of the wager were established.

“He was speechless,” Mofokeng stated.

Khoza fulfils his promise

Mofokeng said his decision to stay at Pirates was not based solely on the possibility of receiving a significant reward. He also highlighted the influence Khoza had had on his life and the support he had received from the chairman.

“He did so much for me in my life and he taught me a lot about life. I think he deserved to get something back.”

Pirates subsequently won the league title, ending a 14-year wait and ensuring Mofokeng won the bet. The player later departed for Royal Union St Gilloise.

Sechaba confirmed that Khoza had honoured the agreement and provided the promised property.

“The house is there, he delivered.”