Mofokeng Breaks Silence On Pirates Exit
Newly signed Union Saint-Gilloise midfielder Relebohile Mofokeng has dismissed suggestions that he was unhappy at Orlando Pirates after seeing former teammates Mohau Nkota and Mbekezeli Mbokazi secure overseas moves before him, insisting he remained fully committed to winning the league with the Buccaneers before making his own move abroad.
Mofokeng recently completed a four-year transfer to Belgian Pro League champions Union Saint-Gilloise, bringing an end to a memorable spell at Pirates, where he established himself as one of the club’s most influential players.
The 21-year-old was at the centre of speculation throughout last season, with some supporters believing his performances during the first half of the campaign were affected by frustration after Nkota and Mbokazi secured moves overseas ahead of him.
Nkota left Pirates after making his first-team breakthrough during the 2024/25 season, joining Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ettifaq before the start of the 2025/26 campaign.
Mbokazi, meanwhile, completed a move to Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire in January after making his senior debut for the Buccaneers in March 2025.
However, speaking on SNAWA, Mofokeng rejected the notion that he wanted to leave at all costs, explaining that his priority was to help Pirates win the league before considering his own future.
“People are always saying that I was unhappy and that I was supposed to leave, but I told the chairman that I wouldn’t leave before I won the league,” Mofokeng said.
“So, I think that’s clear. I was not ready to leave because I wanted to win the league. I wanted to fight for the badge before I left. I think when I did that, the chairman was very happy.
“So, I think it was due time. God’s timing is always perfect. I was just praying and wishing them well. When it’s your time, it’s your time. Everyone has a chance, and now it’s my time to leave.”
Mofokeng’s rise at the Soweto giants began in 2023 when he was promoted to the first team. He announced himself in style by scoring on his debut against Royal AM and quickly established himself as one of the Premier Soccer League’s brightest young talents.
The gifted midfielder also revealed that discussions over his move to Europe were already well advanced before the league season came to an end.
“I knew about it three games before the league ended,” he added.
“As a young player and a growing human being, you want to go to a place where you can grow and develop.
“It’s a great first step for me in Europe, and it’s a club where I can move my career forward.”
Mofokeng now begins a new chapter in Belgium after enjoying another outstanding season with Pirates. He helped the Buccaneers complete a domestic treble by winning the Betway Premiership, MTN8, and Carling Knockout.
The reigning Betway Premiership Young Player of the Season has also been nominated for four Premier Soccer League end-of-season awards: Footballer of the Season, Players’ Player of the Season, Midfielder of the Season, and Young Player of the Season, underlining the impact he made before embarking on his long-awaited European journey.
