Rulani Mokwena reveals how Relebohile Mofokeng nearly joined Mamelodi Sundowns

Rulani Mokwena says he recommended Relebohile Mofokeng to Mamelodi Sundowns after spotting the midfielder at School of Excellence, but Orlando Pirates acted quickly to sign one of South Africa’s most promising young players.

Mokwena, now coach of Pyramids FC, identified Mofokeng during an Engen Knockout match between School of Excellence and Orlando Pirates. He immediately contacted Shawn Bishop, then Sundowns’ Head of Youth and Methodology and Coaching, to urge the club to pursue the teenager.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the South African Football Journalists Association (SAFJA), Mokwena recalled the moment he first highlighted Mofokeng’s ability.

“One thing that I have to say, and Shawn Bishop, if you get a chance to speak to him, will tell you, there was an Engen Knockout match between School of Excellence and Orlando Pirates. Immediately I got onto the phone to Shawn, who was the Head of Youth and Methodology and Coaching with the academy at Sundowns. And I said, ‘Shawn, there’s a number 10 that you have to sign at School of Excellence.'”

Mokwena said Orlando Pirates recognised Mofokeng’s qualities and were determined to win the race for his signature.

“Orlando Pirates was very, very aggressive with trying to also secure him.”

Although Mofokeng could have moved to Sundowns following Mokwena’s recommendation, the coach believes joining Pirates created the right conditions for his development. In particular, he said the club gave the youngster the opportunity to play competitive football.

“He could have, he could have been at Sundowns, but we then we wouldn’t know whether the story would be the same or not, But Olando Pirates was very important for him because they gave him the opportunity to play.”

Mofokeng has since established himself as a Bafana Bafana star, and Mokwena credited Pirates with providing more than regular first-team football. He said the club’s coaches, mentorship and dressing-room environment helped the player mature into a complete professional.

“He needed the change room with the capacity of the coaches and the club and the mentorship that Pirates provides. and he’s become he’s become an incredible an incredible ambassador not just for South African football but for Pirates too.”

Mokwena added that Mofokeng’s progress could lead to further achievements in the future.

“So I think he’s a boy that will achieve a lot of great things.”

The coach’s comments underline how close Mofokeng came to joining Sundowns, while also acknowledging the role Orlando Pirates played in giving him the platform to develop and become an important figure for both club and country.