Rele Mofokeng's next transfer: The best options for the Orlando Pirates star
Rele on the move? Orlando Pirates starlet Relebohile Mofokeng could leave the club for Europe ahead of the new season. Photo: Itumeleng English/Independent Media
Image: Itumeleng English/Independent Media
South African football is set for a major transfer saga with Orlando Pirates star Relebohile Mofokeng in high demand.
According to his father, former Tembu Royals star Sechaba Mofokeng, the phone’s been ringing off the hook and the younger Mofokeng is taking his time deciding his next move.
Last year, the 20-year-old was linked with Barcelona, while his father stated he wanted to see him follow in Steven Pienaar and Benni McCarthy’s footsteps by moving to the Netherlands. Last week, it was reported that Israeli clubs Maccabi Haifa and Maccabi Tel Aviv were also interested, but Pirates were quick to pour cold water on that speculation.
IOL Sport takes a look at various leagues where Mofokeng could move to and grow as a footballer.
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Where he should go
Belgium
The Belgian Pro League is possibly the best place for Mofokeng right now. This is a sentiment that’s also shared by Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos, who hails from the Western European nation.
The Belgian league has a good reputation for developing young players, with several South Africans using the league as a stepping stone in the past. Before moving to the Premier League, Percy Tau spent two years in Belgium, where he did well. Former Bafana captain Aaron Mokoena also spent some time in Belgium before going on to play in England for seven years.
Currently, Shandre Campbell is taking his first steps in senior football with Club Brugge, and much is expected from the youngster who turns 20 in three weeks. Unlike Spain, the language barrier wouldn’t be such an issue for a young player who has never played abroad.
Netherlands
The Dutch Eredivisie is where South African football royalty in McCarthy and Pienaar made a name for themselves. The league is suited for technically gifted players and teaches youngsters to be more complete in how they play.
Germany
Not many South Africans have gone to Germany at a young age, but a few have done well. Pienaar, Delron Buckley, Sibusiso Zuma, and Bradley Carnell are among the players who did well in Germany.
Teams in the Bundesliga also have a good reputation for developing young talents. England star Jude Bellingham moved to Dortmund aged just 17. By the time he was 20, he was regarded as one of the world’s best players.
Countries he should avoid for now
England
Transferring to England would be the completely wrong move for Mofokeng. The Premier League is physically demanding, and Mofokeng, who still needs to put on a few kilos, will definitely struggle. The constant media scrutiny and pressure from fans are also things he doesn’t need at this stage in his career.
Spain
The player has been linked with Barcelona in the past; however, he should be advised against making the move to Spain at this stage in his career. In Spain, not only will he be expected to settle in quickly, but he will also have to learn the language. Learning a new language has never been a bad thing, but at just 20 years old, it will make his settling into a new environment hard.
Avoid completely
Israel
Last week, it was reported that Maccabi Haifa had made contact with the view of buying Mofokeng. Rivals Maccabi Tel Aviv were also interested. A move to Israel would be a controversial one. The country is currently engaged in what the South African government calls a genocide against the people of Palestine.
In 2023, South Africa’s government approached the International Court of Justice to open a case against Israel’s continued conduct in the Gaza Strip that resulted in a humanitarian crisis and mass killings. And last week, Israel launched an unprovoked missile attack against Iran.
With so many options on the table, Mofokeng faces a career-defining decision. The next move he makes could shape not only his future but also inspire a new generation of South African talent dreaming of success abroad.
What’s clear is that he has the skill, the mindset, and the support to thrive — he just needs to pick the right stage to shine. Whether it’s Belgium, the Netherlands, or even Germany, this is his moment to take that brave leap and become the next great South African export.
IOL Sport