Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro is running out of superlatives to describe the exceptional talent of Relebohile Mofokeng, stating that the young player “is making us all happy.”

Mofokeng secured a dramatic comeback victory for Pirates, scoring the winning goal in their 2-1 Betway Premiership win against Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium on Saturday.

Mofokeng, a strong contender for the PSL Footballer of the Season award, displayed excellent give and go with Deon Hotto before calmly slotting the ball past Chiefs goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma.

This victory allowed Pirates to bounce back after a challenging week that saw them eliminated from the CAF Champions League semi-final by Pyramids and suffer a midweek league defeat to Sekhukhune United.

“Relebohile has brought smiles to the faces of all Buccaneers since he started playing for us,” Riveiro exclaimed on SuperSport TV after the game.

“And the other players are also drawing inspiration from him. I believe we finished today’s match with six youngsters on the field, which speaks volumes about the club’s direction and growth. There’s definitely more positive news to come for the team.”

Chiefs took an early lead in the second minute when Glody Lilepo converted a first-time hit from Dillan Solomons’ pass just outside the penalty area, stunning the Pirates faithful.

However, Pirates responded resiliently, equalizing in the 23rd minute. Mohau Nkota delivered a defense-splitting pass that found Evidence Makgopa, who calmly slotted the ball past Bvuma.

This victory marked Pirates’ fifth consecutive win against Chiefs in all competitions. Riveiro has now equaled a record set by former Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter, who also achieved five consecutive derby wins during his first tenure with the Soweto giants.

Reflecting on the significance of the Soweto Derby, South Africa’s most beloved football match, the departing Riveiro emphasized its unique value. “It is something truly unique,” he said.

“Wherever I go, it’s going to be difficult to experience something like this, because it’s a proper football party. Hopefully, I can play more Derbies. 
 

“Wherever I can work, but this one is unique, having the, you know, the fans watching the game together, no problems, celebrating, you know, what these clubs are, the right, the proper history of South Africa. 

“It’s something unique, something that you need to protect forever. I always tried to explain to the people on the other side of the world what it means to play this game; they don’t understand it until they come, so hopefully more people can get attracted to this because it’s a proper show.”  

The rivalry between these two Soweto giants is set to continue as they are scheduled to meet again in the Nedbank Cup final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium next Saturday.