Segolela backs Orlando Pirates to cope without departed star Mofokeng

Former Orlando Pirates winger Tlou Segolela believes the club will adapt and thrive without Relebohile Mofokeng, insisting the Soweto giants “will always find somebody” after the 21-year-old’s move to Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.

Mofokeng departed for the Belgian side following a standout 2025/26 campaign in which Pirates completed a league treble and the youngster swept the season’s top individual honours, being named both Footballer of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season.

The attacker, nicknamed “The President”, delivered 11 goals and nine assists in all competitions last term, directly contributing to 20 goals in a year that underscored his status as one of the Premier Soccer League’s brightest talents.

With Pirates preparing for life without their talisman, attention has turned to how The Buccaneers will respond when the new campaign gets under way.

‘Pirates is Pirates – it’s never about one player’

Speaking to Kickoff.com, Segolela stressed that while Mofokeng’s contribution had been significant, the team’s identity has never depended on a single individual.

“Obviously he (Mofokeng) had a good season in terms of contribution towards the goals the team has created and scored but let’s not forget that Pirates is Pirates, they will always find a way, they will always find somebody,” Segolela said.

“It’s not a one man team, that’s the good part about Pirates. Football is like this; when one overshadows others and he goes, he opens space for others (to shine), that’s the reality.

“But are we going to miss him? Yes, we’re going to miss him, he’s a talented player who contributed towards the team. But we’ve got a lot of interesting talent within the Pirates squad.”

Segolela, affectionately known as “Gautrain” from his own days tormenting defences in the black-and-white shirt, insisted the club’s depth means there are players ready to step forward.

Challenge to young Buccaneers

The former winger used Mofokeng’s departure as a challenge to emerging members of the squad, arguing that the standards set last season must now serve as a benchmark for those hoping to fill the void.

“He (Mofokeng) set the standard, the coming ones should catch up, that’s the nature of football,” Segolela continued.

He added that anyone aiming to assume Mofokeng’s role has to embrace the responsibility that comes with it.

“If you are going to take his place, you must know that it is your responsibility to take the baton and take it to the next level,” the Moletjie-born former speedy attacker added.

Segolela’s comments reflect a broader sense of intrigue around which players will emerge as Pirates’ new attacking focal points, and how the coaching staff will structure the side without their former playmaker.

New season, new look Pirates

Pirates, who dominated domestically last season on their way to the treble, now enter the 2026/27 Betway Premiership campaign under scrutiny as they seek to demonstrate that their success was not centred solely on Mofokeng’s influence.

The Buccaneers begin their title defence on Saturday afternoon when they host Milford at Orlando Amstel Arena, with supporters eager for an early glimpse of how the side will line up after the off-season changes.

The club has already confirmed at least one new arrival, with news of a fresh signing recently announced, further fuelling speculation about how the squad will be reshaped in the wake of Mofokeng’s exit.

For Segolela, though, the message remains simple: Pirates’ tradition and squad depth mean opportunity now knocks for others, and the expectation is that someone from within the current ranks will seize it.