View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Soccer Laduma (@soccer_laduma)

Login

How Pirates' Rele Is Avoiding Vaal 'Bad Boy' Stigma

How Pirates' Rele Is Avoiding Vaal 'Bad Boy' Stigma

POLOKWANE, SOUTH AFRICA - DECEMBER 23: Relebohile Mofokeng of Orlando Pirates during the DStv Premiership match between SuperSport United and Orlando Pirates at Peter Mokaba Stadium on December 23, 2023 in Polokwane, South Africa. (Photo by Philip Maeta/Gallo Images)

One too many stories have been written about the downfall of footballers shortly after hitting the limelight. However, Orlando Pirates' darling Relebohile Mofokeng has revealed why he steers clear of the potential pitfalls that comes with fame.

Read: Hunt Pulls A Mourinho On Scintillating Shandre

Every township has its stories about players who were destined for greatness, but could not reach their full potential for one reason or the other.

The Vaal region in Gauteng in particular has a number of talents that emerged from the area, which has always been a hub for budding talent.

Unfortunately, the area has also been synonymous with being a hotspot for footballers' downfalls in recent years.

One of its most recent success stories in Pirates starlet Mofokeng, knows all too well the dangers that lurk in his hometown, which has seen the teenager steer clear of the dangers posed by the area.

"I grew up in the streets where people used to kill each other and that made me afraid to play in the streets and now that I'm a bit famous, I'm scared of the people," he told journalists after graduating from the PSL's player transition programme.

Sign In

Rather, he has placed his focus on improving his performances for the Buccaneers, where he has been a revelation this season.

"I'm trying – but I am happy with my improvement. I'm still improving, I'm still learning from the older guys, so I can say that I'm happy with my progress. I don't feel any pressure, I just want to keep on improving and keep on learning. I just have to keep on pushing, keep on fighting for my position and to be a better person," he continued.

Mofokeng's dazzling displays has seen him fall onto the radar of Bafana Bafana, where coach Hugo Broos has touted him for a future role in the national team setup.

Read: R56 Million In 15 Minutes: Sundowns' Allende Masterstroke

You must be Sign In to read and post comments.   

Sign In

Comments

Top 5

Al Ahly 'Confirm' Riveiro Decision After CWC Loss

Jun 21, 2025 10:25 AM in African Football

Guardiola Lauds Rulani Signing At Wydad

Jun 20, 2025 01:19 PM in International

Moremi Confirmed – Seven More Signings Expected At Pirates

Jun 22, 2025 04:00 PM in Orlando-Pirates

Chiefs-Linked Attacker Lands 'New Deal'

Jun 22, 2025 12:26 PM in African Football

Sundowns Players Who Could Leave Despite CWC Inclusion

Jun 19, 2025 08:27 AM in Mamelodi-Sundowns

One More Hurdle For Chiefs To Sign Okon?

Jun 23, 2025 01:51 PM in Kaizer-Chiefs

Mokwana Attracts 'Interest' From European Sides At CWC

Jun 23, 2025 11:24 AM in African Football

War Tension Threatens Possibility Of Mofokeng To Israel

Jun 23, 2025 11:41 AM in Orlando-Pirates

Zamalek 'Given' Three Conditions To Sign Tau

Jun 23, 2025 12:18 PM in African Football

Amakhosi Star Marries Long-Time Love

Jun 23, 2025 01:10 PM in Fan Park