Orlando Pirates are staring at the real possibility of losing Relebohile Mofokeng overseas, with interest from clubs in the USA, Russia and Saudi Arabia expected to persist.
This is the first of a five-part series profiling potential replacements for Mofokeng.
Before the start of the season, Orlando Pirates reportedly turned down serious interest from abroad for Mofokeng. Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq tabled an offer of around R26.9 million, MLS outfit Minnesota United put down R34.9 million while Russian club Akron Tolyatti bid R26 million. All three offers were swiftly rejected.
RELEBOHILE MOFOKENG’S SEASON SO FAR
The Sharpeville-born player is enjoying the football of his career Fondly known as “President Yama2K,” the 21-year-old has 9 goals and 6 assists, making him the club’s leading scorer in the Betway Premiership.
Across all competitions, Mofokeng has now reached 20 goal contributions this season, including a first professional hat-trick in the 6–0 win over TS Galaxy. He won back to back Premier Soccer League Player of the Month awards for February and March.
Mofokeng’s recent form has taken things even further. He scored five goals in two games, collected six Man of the Match awards, and even recorded a Sofascore 10.0 rating,
With these performances, and a Player of the Season award looming, a move overseas is all but certain.
And as that becomes more likely for Orlando Pirates, attention turns to who could replace him? Golden Arrows attacker Siyanda Ndlovu has emerged as one of the names in the conversation.
CAN SIYANDA NDLOVU REPLACE HIM AT ORLANDO PIRATES?
Ndlovu, affectionately known as “Skhwishi,” has enjoyed a standout 2025/26 season with Golden Arrows. He is one of the most productive creatives in the Betway Premiership.
The 23-year-old winger has delivered 4 goals and 5 assists in league play, a total of 9 goal involvements. His influence is further reflected in a strong average FotMob rating of 7.23, placing him among the top-performing wingers/attacking midfielders in South African football.
His individual peak came during the September/October period. He delivered 6 goal contributions in 5 matches and was named Betway Premiership Player of the Month.
During the same spell, he also won Goal of the Month for a solo effort against Stellenbosch FC. His performances have since seen him nominated for the KZN Sports Personality of the Year award.
Across the season, Ndlovu has played around 1,382 minutes, created 42 chances, and completed 29 successful dribbles, underlining his ablity to replace Mofokeng at Orlando Pirates.
To the delight of Orlando Pirates fans, reports are already suggesting that a deal is close to being finalised.
The series will continue as we look at more players who could step into that role if Mofokeng moves overseas.
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THIS IDEA? IS THERE ANY OTHER PLAYER IN YOUR MIND?
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