Orlando Pirates teenage sensation Relebohile Mofokeng says he doesn’t feel pressure to emulate some of the greats in SA football like Doctor Khumalo or Teko Modise.
Mofokeng, 19, was one of the players who graduated from the PSL Player Transition Programme on Wednesday, saying he volunteered to take part because he wanted to learn more about finances and businesses.
The attacking midfielder has had a strong start to the second half of the 2023/24 campaign, and has become a starter in Jose Riveiro’s Pirates side off late.
He has shown a lot of potential and was even invited for a trial with Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers last year, with many predicting he could be one of the next big stars in SA football.
But Mofokeng himself says he doesn’t feel the pressure to reach the heights of the likes of Khumalo or Teko Modise.
“I don’t feel any pressure,” he told journalists when asked whether he feels pressure to fulfil expectations to reach Khumalo or Modise’s level.
“I just want to keep on improving and keep on learning, there is no pressure.
“I just have to keep on pushing, keep on fighting for my position, fighting to be a better person.”
The Player Transsition Programme, which was launched in 2022, is a collaborative initiative between the Premier Soccer League (PSL) and MultiChoice, equipping players with the skills and knowledge necessary to carve out successful futures beyond the football pitch.
It was designed to empower football players to thrive beyond their playing careers. Addressing the longstanding concern of financial insecurity among retiring footballers, this initiative equips players with essential skills for managing finances effectively and transitioning smoothly into new careers.
This year, the Programme catered to players between the ages of 19 and 38, as well as those at the onset of their football journeys. The teams were represented by a seasoned player and a newcomer, some of whom have just graduated from the DStv Diski Challenge and been promoted to the Professional league.
The footballers graduate with a qualification from the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), the educational partner for the PSL Player Transition Programme. This comprehensive curriculum covers business fundamentals, information technology, financial management, and leadership skills.
The Programme equips the players with valuable life skills, educational opportunities, and career guidance that extend beyond their athletic abilities. By broadening their knowledge and nurturing personal growth, footballers are poised to transition into roles such as coaches, analysts, administrators, or ambassadors for the sport, including venturing into business.
This holistic approach not only secures the players’ future prospects but also ensures that their wealth of experience and expertise continues to enrich the world of football.
Dr. Irvin Khoza, Chairman of the PSL, expressed his pride in the achievements of the players, stating, “Today, we celebrate not just the graduation of these players, but the empowerment of a generation of future leaders. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed partners, MultiChoice, whose unwavering support has been instrumental in bringing this vision to fruition. This collaboration underscores our collective commitment to the holistic development and well-being of our players, ensuring that they are not only successful footballers but also empowered individuals ready to thrive in diverse career paths beyond football.”
