School of Excellence coach Masimanyane Xali has explained why Orlando Pirates young sensation Relebohile Mofokeng uses his skills differently for results and not applause.
Mofokeng bust onto the professional scene two seasons ago following his promotion to the first team and has won hearts of football lovers even those not following Pirates. The 20 year old has been an integral part of the Buccaneers attack helping them win several domestic trophies while also catching the eye of the senior national team selectors.
He has also been impressive in Hugo Broos side that qualified for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and still in the running to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Xali who watched Mofokeng’s growth from youth spoke to iDiski Times senior writer Matshelane Mamabolo in edition 200 of the newspaper where he called the winger business minded with his showboating.
“He joined us full time when he came to high school and I could see him become a better player and business-minded on the pitch,” Xali told iDiski Times.
“Whereas most of his peers would show off their skills for the applause, Rele used them to win the game. He was always trying to win.
“Sure he did those kasi tricks but in a competitive environment he always seemed to know what the purpose of playing was. He never played for the sake of playing or exciting the crowd.”
You can read Mamabolo’s feature on the rise of Mofokeng in edition 200 when you subscribe to IDiski Times Media WhatsApp number for FREE.
