The story of Relebohile Mofokeng (formerly Ratomo) is rapidly becoming one of the great “what if” tales of South African football. Before he was the poster boy for Orlando Pirates and a Bafana Bafana international, the young winger was just another hopeful teenager seeking a professional breakthrough. That breakthrough almost happened at Sekhukhune United, but a decision based on physical perception rather than technical ability changed the course of his career forever.
Relebohile Mofokeng Trial at Babina Noko
In the early 2020s, while still a student at the prestigious Transnet School of Excellence, Mofokeng was invited for trials at Sekhukhune United. At the time, “Babina Noko” was an ambitious club looking to establish themselves as a powerhouse in the South African top flight.
Mofokeng arrived with the reputation of a technical wizard. For several weeks, he trained with the Sekhukhune squad, participating in drills and intra-squad matches. According to club insiders and technical staff members like Alex Bapela, Mofokeng didn’t just participate—he excelled. His close control, vision, and ability to beat defenders were evident to everyone on the training pitch.
The Verdict: “Too Small”
Despite his undeniable talent, the decision-makers at Sekhukhune United ultimately pulled the plug on the deal. The reason cited by the club was not a lack of skill, but rather his physique.
In a league that often prioritizes physical robustness and height, Sekhukhune’s technical team felt Mofokeng was “too small” to survive the rigors of professional football. They feared that his slight frame and height (standing at roughly 1.66m) would make him a liability in the high-intensity, physical battles of the Betway Premiership.
Sources within the club have since revealed that while the scouts were impressed, the hierarchy was hesitant to invest a professional contract in a player they believed could be “bullied” off the ball. Mofokeng was sent back to the School of Excellence with a heavy heart, his dream of a professional debut at Sekhukhune seemingly over.
The Pirates’ Masterstroke
While Sekhukhune saw a risk, Orlando Pirates saw a diamond. Shortly after his rejection, the Buccaneers’ scouting network—renowned for identifying technical gems regardless of stature—moved quickly.
The irony of the situation became painfully clear to Sekhukhune United during a DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) match. Mofokeng, now donning the famous black and white of Orlando Pirates, faced his former trialists. Reports from that day suggest he “killed them,” putting in a man-of-the-match performance that left the Sekhukhune technical bench in disbelief.
It was a stark reminder that in modern football, technical speed and football intelligence often outweigh pure physical mass.
A Legacy of Regret
Fast forward to 2026, and the decision to reject Mofokeng is widely considered the biggest scouting blunder in Sekhukhune United’s short history.
Since joining Pirates, Mofokeng has achieved remarkable milestones:
- A National Treasure: He has become a regular for Bafana Bafana and is a frontrunner for the 2025/26 Footballer of the Season.
- Cup Specialist: He became the youngest player in PSL history to score in three domestic cup finals (Nedbank Cup, MTN8, and Carling Knockout).
- International Interest: His performances have attracted interest from European clubs, potentially setting him up for a record-breaking transfer.
Lessons for South African Football
The “Sekhukhune mistake” serves as a cautionary tale for academies and professional clubs across the continent. For years, South African football has wrestled with the “physicality vs. technique” debate. Players like Mofokeng—much like the legendary Doctor Khumalo or Teko Modise before him—prove that the “low center of gravity” is an asset, not a hindrance.
If Sekhukhune had looked past the measuring tape and focused on the ball at his feet, the history of their club might look very different today. Instead, they are left to watch from the sidelines as Mofokeng continues to terrorize defenses across Africa, a living testament to the fact that greatness doesn’t always come in a large package.
Relebohile Mofokeng Rise at a Glance
| Metric | Detail |
| Current Club | Orlando Pirates |
| Youth Roots | Transnet School of Excellence |
| Major Accolades | Young Player of the Season (2024), Multiple Cup Winner |
| Status | Bafana Bafana International |
| The “Sekhukhune Factor” | Rejected for “Body Structure” |
