Orlando Pirates Coach Gives Thumbs Up to Relebohile Mofokeng’s Move to Barcelona, Mzansi Reacts
- Reports linking Relebohile Mofokeng to a move to Barcelona is still making the headlines as an Orlando Pirates coach shared his views on it
- The South African international is said to be on the radar of the Spanish La Liga giants over a possible move in the next summer transfer window
- The Bafana Bafana forward is reportedly being monitored by the Catalans' B team managers as they follow his progress in the Premier Soccer League this season
Orlando Pirates coach in the DStv Diski Challenge Joseph Makhanya has commented on the recent report linking Relebohile Mofokeng to a move to La Liga giants Barcelona.
The European giants are said to be interested in bringing the South African international to Spain, and their B team coaches are already monitoring the Buccaneers youngster's progress in the Premier Soccer League this campaign.
The 20-year-old has been at the top of his game since being promoted to the Pirates' senior side in the 2022-23 season, and his performance hasn't gone unnoticed by big teams in Europe and Africa.
Source: Twitter
Pirates coach wants Mofokeng's move to Barca
According to the South African, Makhanya, who once coached Mofokeng, has shared his thoughts on rumours linking the youngster to Barcelona.
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While speaking to FARPost, the South African mentor believes the Bafana Bafana star has all it takes to play for the Catalans and succeed there.
"We want to see Rele succeed and accomplish his ambition of playing in Europe, which is something we didn't do while playing," the South African tactician said.
Makhanya wants to see a player he once coached play for a big club like Barca, even if it is Scottish giants Rangers. That is why he approves of Mofokeng joining one of the two European sides.
"Now I would want a player I have managed to play for a top side like Barcelona, maybe Rangers in Scottish league as the reports say," he added.
"If there's a possibility for a move to happen at a young age, why not? We wish to see the boys play abroad so they can compete against the best in the world as well."
Fans react to Makhanya's take on Mofokeng's links with Barca
Songo Nodada said:
"He can play anywhere in the world 🌎, he's that good #President yama 2000."
Itumeleng Joey Medupe reacted:
"They are jealous of mofokeng abo Shabalala and core.😂😂😂"
Pabi Paballo wrote:
"Does Barcelona know about this ? 😐"
Donovan Dee Ten shared:
"Barca is truly interested in this boy."
brezzada commented:
"Well, he got what it takes to play for any club in the world... I am only bothered about the pressure, new culture, language barrier of going to Barcelona now..."
What you need to know about Relebohile Mofokeng
Relebohile Mofokeng, born on 23 October 2004 in Sharpeville, is a rising football star who plays as a midfielder and winger for Orlando Pirates and the South African national team. Initially known by his mother’s surname, Ratomo, he adopted his father’s surname, Mofokeng, after his parents married. Inspired by his football-playing father, Sechaba, Mofokeng began his journey at the Transnet School of Excellence and later joined Orlando Pirates through a transfer from Mamelodi Sundowns.
He made his professional debut in May 2023, scoring in a 1-0 win against Royal AM. In his first full season, he earned the DStv Premiership Young Player of the Season and Nedbank Cup Most Promising Player awards. Mofokeng debuted for the senior national team in June 2024 during a World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe and has contributed key performances, including scoring the winning goal in the South African Cup final.
How Kaizer Chiefs missed out on signing Mofokeng
In a relate publication, Briefly News also reported that Kaizer Chiefs refused to sign Mofokeng when they had the opportunity while he was still 13-year-old.
The South African international went on to join Amakhosi rivals Orlando Pirates and has been a sensation for the Bucs.
Source: Briefly News
