With Orlando Pirates scheduled to face EFL League One side Bolton Wanderers in a high-profile pre-season friendly in Spain, all eyes could once again turn to Relebohile Mofokeng as he continues to draw interest from clubs across Europe and beyond.
Mofokeng, who enjoyed yet another campaign in the 2024/25 season under head coach Jose Riveiro, has firmly established himself as one of the brightest young talents in South African football.
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His performances in the Betway Premiership and on the continental stage in the CAF Champions League have not only solidified his place in the Buccaneers’ starting lineup but also earned him attention from scouts abroad, particularly in England and most recently, Israel (as per foreign reports).
The upcoming clash against Bolton, scheduled as part of Pirates’ Spanish pre-season tour, could mark another pivotal moment for the Bafana Bafana international, who already has previous European exposure under his belt.
In late 2023, Mofokeng travelled to England for an assessment with Premier League outfit Wolverhampton Wanderers, after impressing almost immediately when he was promoted to the first team at the Soweto giants.
League One side Reading FC and other unnamed clubs were also reported to have kept tabs on the Sharpeville-born young star during that time.
Recent reports suggest Israeli clubs are now closely monitoring the winger’s progress, a sign of his growing international appeal. Though, the Siya crew spoke to Pirates insiders who denied that talks took place with Maccabi Haifa and Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Mofokeng's ability to take on defenders, find pockets of space, and contribute in key moments has made him a fan favourite and a legitimate asset for the club moving forward.
Now, with the stage set in Spain and European scouts expected to watch closely, Mofokeng has a golden opportunity to further enhance his reputation.
A strong performance against an English opponent, even in a friendly, could reignite conversations around a potential move abroad, especially as European clubs ramp up recruitment ahead of the 2025/26 season.
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For Pirates, keeping hold of their prized youngster may prove challenging if he continues to shine on international soil.
But for Mofokeng, the dream of making it in Europe may be edging ever closer, and this pre-season tour might just be the next major step on that journey.
