Orlando Pirates need to prepare for life without Relebohile Mofokeng.
The youngster has left enormous boots to fill at Orlando Pirates. However, there is no time for the Bucs to dwell on his departure. Instead, the focus must shift to the future.
Mofokeng is gone, but the season starts. Orlando Pirates have a Betway Premiership title to defend. Meanwhile, the Bucs will also be returning to the CAF Champions League. Therefore, the club must identify Mofokeng’s successor, whether that comes from within the current squad or through a new signing funded by his move to Union SG in Belgium.
Here are three Orlando Pirates players who could step up
1. TSHEPANG MOREMI
Moremi was one of the Orlando Pirates players who represented both the Buccaneers and Bafana Bafana at the FIFA World Cup.
Although he did not start a match, he gained valuable experience. Moremi replaced Oswin Appollis in the 62nd minute of South Africa’s historic 1-0 victory over South Korea. That gave him almost half an hour in one of the biggest matches in the country’s football history.
He looked composed in possession and threatened on the counter attack. Moremi then replaced Thapelo Maseko in the 86th minute against Canada as South Africa chased a winner before extra time. Unfortunately, Stephen Eustáquio broke South African hearts with a stoppage-time goal.
Nevertheless, Moremi now has an opportunity to establish himself. Mofokeng contributed 10 goals and eight assists during the 2025/26 Betway Premiership campaign. Consequently, Orlando Pirates will expect Moremi to produce far greater attacking numbers this season.
ALSO READ – KAIZER CHIEFS STARLET TO REPLACE RELEBOHILE MOFOKENG AT ORLANDO PIRATES?
2. BOHLALE NGWATO (NEW SIGNING)
Ngwato joined Orlando Pirates from Siwelele FC as a potential long-term replacement for Mofokeng.
The 19-year-old winger possesses explosive pace and impressive dribbling ability. Replacing arguably the best player in the PSL is a huge challenge, particularly at such a young age. However, Orlando Pirates clearly believe he has the potential to develop into an exciting attacking option.
When Ngwato signed, Mofokeng’s departure had not yet been officially confirmed. However, Orlando Pirates have since revealed that a deal in principle had already been agreed before the FIFA World Cup.
Therefore, Ngwato was recruited with Mofokeng’s exit already in mind. At the very least, he provides additional depth and competition in the wide attacking areas.
3. PATRICK MASWANGANYI
Orlando Pirates could also choose to deploy Patrick Maswanganyi in the No. 10 role that Mofokeng occupied during the latter stages of last season.
In that scenario, either Moremi or Ngwato could feature alongside him in the attacking line.
Maswanganyi has plenty to prove after narrowly missing out on Hugo Broos’ final FIFA World Cup squad. He was one of six players cut from the preliminary 32-man group.
Before injury interrupted his campaign, Maswanganyi was producing some of his best football. One season earlier, he was Orlando Pirates’ creative heartbeat, consistently contributing goals and assists.
There is no question about his talent. Now, he has extra motivation to force his way back into Bafana Bafana contention while helping Orlando Pirates move forward after Mofokeng’s departure.
WHICH PLAYER DO YOU THINK SHOULD STEP UP AND TRY AND FILL RELEBOHILE MOFOKENG’S BOOTS?
Let us know in the comments section below.
