SHARPEVILLE, SOUTH AFRICA — Behind every meteoric footballing rise, there is an anchor keeping the prodigy grounded. For 21-year-old Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana superstar Relebohile Mofokeng, that anchor has always been his family. However, the exact family structure that protected him at Mayfair is now setting the stage for his departure.
Following Bafana Bafana’s historic advancement to the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 in North America, the player’s mother, Naomi Mofokeng, has made headlines across South Africa. Breaking her silence amid heavy global transfer speculation, she delivered an honest message that sent shockwaves through the Buccaneers’ fanbase: the family’s ultimate dream, backed by fervent daily prayer, is to see their son leave Orlando Pirates for Europe immediately.
The Sharpeville Grounding vs Global Spotlight
Mofokeng’s recent domestic campaign was nothing short of legendary. The electric left-winger registered 11 goals across all competitions, masterheading Orlando Pirates’ first domestic league treble since 2012. He quickly carried that elite form over to the international stage, drawing heavy praise for his dynamic performances in Bafana Bafana’s 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic and their monumental 1-0 triumph over South Korea.
Yet, despite rubbing shoulders with the world’s elite on global television, Naomi reveals that “iPresident Yama2k” remains completely unchanged when he steps through the front door of their family home.
Speaking openly on Radio 2000, Naomi highlighted the simple, introverted values that keep the young attacker focused while navigating the chaotic pressure cooker of professional South African football.
“He does not go out that much; he’s not an outgoing person,” Naomi shared warmly. “Most of the time, it’s family time, so that is what keeps him grounded. He has always liked football from a very young age—he could go all day long without even eating. I used to go out at night wondering and looking for him on the local pitches.”
A Mother’s Prayer for the European Horizon
While Orlando Pirates Chairman Irvin Khoza is desperate to keep hold of his crown jewel to mount a heavy CAF Champions League campaign next season, the family stance presents a difficult hurdle. Naomi was explicitly clear that domestic success is no longer the ultimate ceiling for her son. The family views his current global success as the natural result of divine timing and deep spiritual sacrifice.
When asked directly about the intense interest flooding in from clubs across the United Kingdom, Europe, and Major League Soccer, Naomi made no effort to mask her ambitions.
“To tell you the truth, I expected everything that is coming his way,” Naomi stated on GOAL. “When I pray, I pray for him more than myself, and he deserves everything that is happening in his life. Hopefully, not only me, even you yourself, you are hoping for him to go overseas. That’s our dream, that’s our hope, and that’s what we’re praying for. It’s not only my prayers; many people are praying that this season he must go.”
She firmly added, closing the door on any long-term stay at Mayfair:
“You can’t just say, ‘I want to play for Orlando Pirates, this is where I want to stay.’ Everyone wants to see themselves playing abroad.”
The Bishop’s Prophecy Re-Examined
This isn’t the first time Mofokeng’s career has been closely intertwined with faith. Late last year, amidst mounting pressure, the young winger and his parents paid a highly publicized visit to celebrity TV preacher Bishop Moratehi Sekete of Dumisa TV.
During an intense, televised sermon, the prominent pastor laid hands on Mofokeng, delivering a powerful prophetic message that seems incredibly accurate given his current World Cup trajectory.
"Lord God, he will reach heights his predecessors will never reach. Where Doctor Khumalo and Shoes Moshoeu went, he’ll go further. This is not just a talent, it’s a different skill altogether. We thank you that it's a divine skill, and we pray for his protection."
Pirates Facing an Evident Reality
With his family actively pushing for a departure and scouts tracking his every movement in North America, Orlando Pirates are bracing for record-breaking opening bids. The club has already moved fast to secure structural depth, finalizing the arrivals of Neo Rapoo from Siwelele FC and Siyanda Ndlovu from Golden Arrows.
While losing a generational talent like Mofokeng hurts, the Buccaneers can take comfort in knowing that if their star boy grants his mother’s ultimate prayer this season, he will command a historic European transfer fee that sets up both the club and his family for generations to come.
