Relebohile Mofokeng has signed off from Orlando Pirates with an emotional letter thanking the club that launched his career.
The gifted attacker recently completed his move to Royale Union Saint-Gilloise after helping Pirates win multiple trophies and the 2025/26 Betway Premiership title.
RELEBOHILE MOFOKENG THANKS ORLANDO PIRATES
Instead of a brief social media post, Mofokeng shared a heartfelt six-page message reflecting on his journey in the famous black and white jersey.
His farewell began with the words, “This is not goodbye,” before expressing gratitude to everyone who played a role in his rise. The Bafana Bafana international described representing Pirates as one of the greatest honours of his life.
“I write this message with a heart full of gratitude, pride, and emotion as I bid farewell to Orlando Pirates Football Club. Every training session, every match, every victory, and every challenge has shaped me both as a footballer and as a person.”
Mofokeng also thanked chairman Dr Irvin Khoza, the club’s leadership, coaches, technical staff, medical team and his teammates for believing in him throughout his journey.
SPECIAL MESSAGE TO THE GHOST
The winger reserved his most emotional words for the Pirates faithful. “To the Orlando Pirates supporters — the Ghost — thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your passion, loyalty, and unwavering support have inspired me every time I stepped onto the pitch.”
Mofokeng also said wearing the Pirates badge in front of the supporters was “a privilege I will never take for granted.”
THE RELEBOHILE MOFOKENG AND ORLANDO PIRATES STORY
Born on 23 October 2004 in Sharpeville, Mofokeng began his football journey at Celeb’s Youth Academy before moving to the Transnet School of Excellence.
His performances in the U19 Pirates coach for the school attracted the attention of Orlando Pirates in 2022. The winger excelled in the DStv Diski Challenge, earning a swift promotion to first-team training.
Mofokeng made his senior debut on 3 May 2023 against Royal AM at just 17 years old. The winger enjoyed a remarkable spell with the Buccaneers. He won the DStv Premiership Young Player of the Season and Nedbank Cup Most Promising Player awards.
He also scored the dramatic stoppage-time winner against Mamelodi Sundowns in the 2024 Nedbank Cup final. After turning down early overseas offers, Mofokeng honoured his promise to help Pirates win the Betway Premiership title. He finished the 2025/26 campaign with 10 goals and eight assists as the club completed a domestic treble before sealing a move to Belgian side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.
His club form earned him a place in Bafana Bafana. Coach Hugo Broos handed him his senior debut against Zimbabwe in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on 11 June 2024. Mofokeng later scored his first international goal against Lesotho and featured in three matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, helping South Africa reach the knockout stages. His rise from Sharpeville to the world stage has established him as one of South African football’s most exciting young stars.
