Relebohile Mofokeng (né Ratomo; born 23 October 2004) is a South African professional footballer who plays as a midfielder and winger for Orlando Pirates and the South Africa national team. He is regarded as one of the best young players in South Africa.[3][4]
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Relebohile Mofokeng | ||
| Birth name | Relebohile Ratomo[1] | ||
| Date of birth | 23 October 2004 | ||
| Place of birth | Sharpeville, South Africa | ||
| Height | 1.61 m (5 ft 3 in)[2] | ||
| Position(s) | Midfielder | ||
| Team information | |||
Current team | Orlando Pirates | ||
| Number | 38 | ||
| Youth career | |||
| Transnet School of Excellence | |||
| 2022–2023 | Orlando Pirates | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2023– | Orlando Pirates | 50 | (9) |
| International career‡ | |||
| 2022– | South Africa U20 | 5 | (2) |
| 2024– | South Africa | 4 | (0) |
|
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 8 October 2024 ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 12 September 2024 | |||
Club career
editMofokeng progressed through the Transnet School of Excellence, before a transfer arrangement between South African Premier Division sides Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates was met, with Mofokeng joining Orlando Pirates and teammate Siyabonga Mabena joining the Mamelodi Sundowns.[5] Mofokeng integrated well into the academy of Orlando Pirates, impressing with the reserve team in the DStv Diski Challenge, and being invited to train with the first team.[6]
Having featured on the bench four times, he was given his first start for the club in a DStv Premiership game against Royal AM on 3 May 2023. Following a mistake by Royal AM's Mozambiquan player Domingues, Mofokeng's shot deflected off Domingues into the back of the net. However, the goal was given as an own-goal, as the initial shot was not on target.[7] In only his second game for the club, he notched a goal and an assist in a 4–0 win against AmaZulu.[8]
International career
editMofokeng represented South Africa at the 2022 COSAFA U-20 Cup, scoring twice in five appearances.[7]
He received his first senior national team call-up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers to be played in June 2024 against Nigeria and Zimbambwe. Mofokeng made his debut against the latter on 11 June 2024 at the Free State Stadium. He substituted Oswin Appollis in added time, as South Africa won 3–1.[9]
Personal life
editAt the time of his move to the Orlando Pirates, he had been using his mother's last name, Ratomo, as his parents were not yet married.[10] Three weeks after his registration with the club, he changed his last name legally to Mofokeng - the last name of his father, and former footballer, Sechaba Mofokeng - and this would be his official name ahead of the 2023–24 season.[10] This name change was confirmed by the Orlando Pirates on 4 August 2023.[11]
Career statistics
editClub
edit- As of 12 June 2023[12]
| Club | Season | League | National Cup | League Cup | Continental | Other | Total | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Orlando Pirates | 2022–23 | DStv Premiership | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| 2023–24 | DStv Premiership | 26 | 3 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 38 | 5 | |
| 2024-25 | Betway Premiership | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | |
| Career total | 29 | 4 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 42 | 6 | ||
Honours
editIndividual
- South African Premiership Young Player of the Season: 2024 [13]
- Nedbank Cup Most Promising Player of the Tournament: 2024 [14]
References
edit- ^ Munyai, Ofhani (4 August 2023). "Orlando Pirates star changes his surname". farpost.co.za. Retrieved 26 August 2023.
- ^ Relebohile Mofokeng at WorldFootball.net
- ^ https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/sport/soccer/2024-06-03-bucs-hero-mofokeng-vows-to-stay-grounded/
- ^ https://www.orlandopiratesfc.com/team/forwards/relebohile-mofokeng/
- ^ Sang, Kiplagat (7 December 2022). "Mabena: How Orlando Pirates-Mamelodi Sundowns transfer tug-of-war over Bafana Bafana youngster was resolved". goal.com. Retrieved 12 June 2023.
- ^ "Pirates sensational striker Ratomo will not be rushed". citizen.co.za. 13 February 2023. Retrieved 12 June 2023.
- ^ a b Gumede, Michaelson (3 May 2023). "Orlando Pirates exciting youngster Ratomo shines on PSL debut". goal.com. Retrieved 12 June 2023.
- ^ Dindi, Sithembiso (22 May 2023). "Jose Riveiro pleads for patience for Pirates' 17-year-old sensation Ratomo". timeslive.co.za. Retrieved 12 June 2023.
- ^ "South Africa v Zimbabwe game report". ESPN. 11 June 2024.
- ^ a b Faver, Delmain (16 May 2023). "Pirates Teen Sensation To Undergo Name Change". snl24.com. Retrieved 12 June 2023.
- ^ "New season, new numbers". orlandopiratesfc.com. 4 August 2023. Retrieved 26 August 2023.
- ^ Relebohile Mofokeng at Soccerway
- ^ "Maswanganyi and Williams dominate 2023/24 PSL Awards". www.psl.co.za. 23 August 2017. Retrieved 17 September 2024.
- ^ "Orlando Pirates stars Sipho Chaine, Relebohile Mofokeng and Patrick Maswangani stand out in PSL Awards | Goal.com South Africa". www.goal.com. 23 June 2024. Retrieved 17 September 2024.