“Don’t Just Be Satisfied At Pirates” — Mofokeng’s Mother Eyes European Move
Naome Mofokeng, the mother of Orlando Pirates sensation Relebohile Mofokeng, has revealed her ultimate dream is to see her son secure a move to a top European league, asserting that domestic success cannot breed complacency.
The 21-year-old playmaker enjoyed a spectacular domestic campaign, inspiring the Buccaneers to a historic treble consisting of the MTN8, Carling Knockout, and the coveted Betway Premiership titles.
Mofokeng repeatedly proved to be the ultimate clutch performer for Abdelsam Ouaddou’s side, most notably netting the dramatic match-winner against Marumo Gallants in the Carling Knockout final at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.
Having featured in 36 matches across all competitions—scoring 11 goals and anchoring the attack with nine assists—the dynamic midfielder is widely considered the heavy favorite to claim the PSL Footballer of the Season award.
Impact on the Global Stage
Mofokeng’s domestic masterclass earned him a spot in Hugo Broos’ final Bafana Bafana squad for the ongoing FIFA World Cup across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
He sat out South Africa’s opening Group A fixture on 11 June, where a heavily criticized, ultra-defensive system saw Bafana suffer a 2-0 defeat to Mexico at the historic Estadio Azteca.
Shifting tactics for the second match against Czechia on Thursday, Broos introduced Mofokeng from the bench to replace Jayden Adams in the second half.
Operating in the classic number 10 role, the youngster completely revitalized the national team’s offense, orchestrating a relentless wave of attacks to help Bafana secure a crucial 1-1 draw.
Speaking to Radio2000, Naome Mofokeng opened up about the immense expectations surrounding her son’s rapid rise.
“The dreams that I have for him are what many other people also have for him,” she said. “We are hoping he goes overseas. Everyone wants to play abroad. You can’t just be satisfied playing for Orlando Pirates. Many people are praying that he must go this season.”
Staying Grounded Amid the Fame
Despite accumulating 125 senior appearances, 29 goals, and 31 assists since his senior promotion in 2023, Mofokeng’s mother insists the global attention has not shifted his core values.
“At home, I call him Na, which is short for Nana. He’s our only child. He has never changed or let fame go to his head,” Naome shared affectionately. “When he’s home, his favorite meal is still Mogodu (tripe).”
She also reflected on her fierce dedication during his foundational years at the Transnet SAFA School of Excellence (SOE).
“I’ve supported him since he was very young. At the School of Excellence, the staff used to jokingly chase me away because I was there every single weekend. They would say, ‘Mama, how is he going to adjust to boarding school when you’re always here?'” she said.
“Even when he was playing in the local junior structures before going to the SOE, I never missed a game. Rele simply loves football. As a kid, he would be out of the house the entire day playing with a ball and only return when it got dark.”
Bafana Bafana currently sit at the bottom of Group A with one point and will face a defining, must-win final group clash against South Korea in Monterrey on Thursday in their bid to reach the knockout rounds.
