Former Orlando Pirates striker Tshegofatso Mabasa has described Relebohile Mofokeng as a “generational talent”, revealing that the youngster immediately stood out when he first joined the Buccaneers and suggesting that Cape Town City sensation Emile Witbooi is the closest player to him in South African football today.
Mabasa and Mofokeng played together at Pirates, combining on several occasions during one of the club’s most successful trophy-winning spells. While Mabasa is currently unattached, Mofokeng has since secured a dream move to Belgian club Royal Union Saint-Gilloise after establishing himself as one of South Africa’s brightest young stars.
Speaking to the Apex Podcast, Mabasa recalled the first time he saw Mofokeng train with the senior team and admitted he was blown away by the youngster’s natural ability.
“I think you would know who the answer is. I would say Rele. Rele is something else, man.
“When he first joined us, we used to ask ourselves, ‘Where does this boy get so much confidence?’ He’s always been like that. What you see now, he’s always been like that since he arrived.
“You see some skinny boys, but the confidence that is there… just wait for him to get the ball and you’ll see.”
The former Buccaneers striker believes Mofokeng possesses qualities rarely seen in South African football.
“He’s a generational talent. I don’t think any time soon we’ll see someone like that.”
Without being prompted, Mabasa singled out Cape Town City’s teenage sensation Emile Witbooi as the only young player he believes comes close to Mofokeng’s exceptional talent.
“Maybe Witbooi might be the closest one. But Rele is just something else, and he’s very mature as well—in his game and in the way that he thinks during games. The boy is something else, honestly.”
Mofokeng’s remarkable rise has been reflected in his nominations for four categories at the upcoming 2025/26 PSL Awards, recognising the impact he made before sealing his move to Belgium.
Meanwhile, Witbooi has also enjoyed an outstanding campaign and has been nominated for the Motsepe Foundation Championship Young Player of the Season and the Motsepe Foundation Championship Players’ Player of the Season awards, further highlighting why Mabasa believes he is the closest player to Mofokeng’s rare talent in South Africa today.
Written by: Sandile Ndumo
