Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro has confirmed that youngster Relebohile Mofokeng is on trial with English Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Mofokeng, who joined Pirates from the School of Excellence, burst onto the scenes last season burst onto the scene last season after being given his first-team debut under Riveiro in a 1-1 draw with Royal AM in May on match-day 28.
The 18-year-old scored his first goal for the club on the final day of last season, netting in a 4-0 win over AmaZulu and has been a permanent member of the first team ever since.
After impressing during Pirates’ pre-season tour in Spain, and making 11 appearances in the 2023/24 campaign so far, Mofokeng has now travelled to England, as first reported by SABC Sport, with Riveiro confirming he is on trial with Wolves.
“He’s in the UK, he’s having a trial period with Wolves,” he said during the press conference ahead of his side’s Carling Knockout Cup opener against Cape Town Spurs on Friday.
Riveiro also insisted that despite his young age, Mofokeng has all what it takes to make it at the top level.
“About Rele I’m absolutely convinced that he’s ready for whatever is coming,” he added.
“Maybe here [in South Africa], it looks like it’s early at 18, but not for me. If you follow the current situation in Europe, [signings aged] 18, 19, 17, 20 is really frequent in the top teams. To get your first minutes in the first team.
“We also have to change our vision of the youngsters, when you are ready you are ready. It doesn’t matter if you are 18 or 28. If you are ready to do it you are ready, if you have the level you have the level.
“And in this case, we all know the type of talent that Rele is. Everything is in his hands now to use this opportunity. We are trust me more than happy to see Rele in this situation and hopefully it’s not the last one.”
Pirates take on Spurs in the Round of 16 of the Carling Knockout Cup at Orlando Stadium on Friday (19:30).
