Phumudzo Manenzhe Tips Orlando Pirates Star for Footballer of the Season Award

• Relebohile Mofokeng has been tipped to win the Footballer of the Season Award in the Premier Soccer League this campaign
• The South African youngster has been the best player in the Betway Premiership since the start of the second half of the season
• Former Orlando Pirates striker Phumudzo Manenzhe echoed an ex-South African international's view on Mofokeng being the best player

Former Orlando Pirates striker Phumudzo Manenzhe has tipped Relebohile Mofokeng to win the best player of the season award after his recent consistent performance for the Soweto giants.

Mofokeng didn't start the season well, but his performance since the start of 2026 has been remarkable. The South African international has taken the Betway Premiership by storm in the second half of the season, and he's gaining momentum in the race to win the Footballer of the Year award.

The Bafana Bafana star's latest performance, a sensational hat-trick against TS Galaxy, has solidified his status as a leading contender for Footballer of the Season in the Premier Soccer League.

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This season in the Betway Premiership, Mofokeng has scored seven goals and registered five assists, amounting to 12 direct contributions to the scoreboard so far.

Manenzhe tips Mofokeng for best player award

Mofokeng’s form in the league has not gone unnoticed, with back-to-back Player of the Month awards for February and March highlighting his remarkable consistency.

Manenzhe feels the choice for the season’s top honour would be straightforward if the campaign ended today. He agreed with former South African international Matthew Booth's opinion of Mofokeng being top of the list for the best player award.

“I agree with Matthew [Booth]; I would choose Rele Mofokeng,” Manenzhe stated.

Manenzhe emphasised the rarity of Mofokeng’s achievements, especially his performance against the Rockets. He also admitted that scoring a hat-trick in the PSL is not a small feat.

“Scoring a hat-trick in the PSL is no small feat, and earning Man of the Match on top of that is exceptional. Against TS Galaxy, Rele delivered brilliantly,” he said.

The former Pirates forward turned pundit believes Mofokeng would bag the award if the league ended today.

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“Based on his performances, I’d award him, Footballer of the Season right now if the league concluded today.”

Mofokeng's rivals for the best player award

Despite Mofokeng’s rise and top form, the competition remains fierce. Mamelodi Sundowns’ Iqraam Rayners is not far behind, registering 10 goals and three assists, just one more direct involvement than the South African youngster.

Mofokeng's club teammate, Oswin Appollis, is another player who is considered for the award due to his performance since joining the Buccaneers in the summer.

With several fixtures still to come, the individual and team battles are far from decided. But at present, Mofokeng is riding a wave of form that could see him claim the top prize.

Broos backs Orlando Pirates star

Briefly News also reported that Hugo Broos backed an Orlando Pirates star despite criticism after including him in his latest Bafana Bafana squad.

The Belgian tactician is not happy with the fans' opinion about the player after his recent mistake while playing for the Sea Robbers.

Source: Briefly News