Orlando Pirates’ Relebohile Mofokeng shields the ball from a number of Kaizer Chiefs players during their Soweto derby clash at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg in March Orlando Pirates’ Relebohile Mofokeng could have been in the colours of Kaizer Chiefs had the Naturena club's scouts listened to football photographer Vino Snaps. Photo: Phill Magakoe/AFP
Image: Phill Magakoe/AFP
Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs were alerted to the talents of Relebohile Mofokeng when he was just 13 years old, but decided against signing the player who is now regarded as the most exciting young footballer in the country.
The 20-year-old Mofokeng turns out in the colours of fierce rivals Orlando Pirates, but it could so easily have been in the black and gold of Amakhosi had they listened to famous football photographer Vino Snap.
Speaking on 947’s MSW, the photographer said: I first spotted him, I think he was 13. I remember calling some of the scouts at Kaizer Chiefs to say, ‘hey guys, you need to come to Sharpeville. There’s this young boy here doing magic'.
“Fast forward to 2022, he’s at the School of Excellence, but I’m hosting a tournament and one of the teams invited him… I’m seeing talent I’ve never seen before.”
He likened Mofokeng to a prime Thulani Serero, who also came through the ranks in Soweto, and went on to play for Dutch giants Ajax Amsterdam, and once dominated a Barcelona team featuring Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Xavi in their ranks.
Kaizer Chiefs’ loss was Pirates’ gain. After impressing in the MultiChoice Diski Challenge, Mofokeng has gone on to become a regular for the club’s first team, and famously scored a stoppage time winner in last season’s Nedbank Cup final against the mighty Mamelodi Sundowns.
Mofokeng has also gone on to play for the senior national team, and currently has four international caps to his name.
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