Relebohile Mofokeng Joins Al-Ettifaq in €1.5m Deal
Orlando Pirates’ rising star Relebohile Mofokeng is on the verge of completing a high-profile move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq in a deal reportedly worth €1.5 million (approximately R31 million). While the move has yet to be officially confirmed, sources indicate that both clubs have agreed on terms and are awaiting final approval from the Saudi League’s Sustainability Committee.
At just 20 years old, Relebohile Mofokeng’s departure signals both a remarkable personal achievement and a sobering moment for South African football. The attacking midfielder from Sharpeville is one of the most exciting talents to emerge from the local game in recent years. His move abroad is a milestone — but also a warning light.
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From Sharpeville to Soweto to the World
Born on 23 October 2004 in Sharpeville, Relebohile Ratomo, now known as Relebohile Mofokeng, began his football journey at the famed Transnet School of Excellence. A strategic swap deal between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns in 2021 saw Mofokeng head to Mayfair, while his teammate Siyabonga Mabena went the other way. Mofokeng quickly impressed in the Diski Challenge and broke into the Pirates’ first team in May 2023.
In just over a season, Relebohile Mofokeng has made 39 league appearances and scored 14 goals for Pirates. He also broke into the Bafana Bafana setup, scoring his first international goal in a FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lesotho in March 2025. His style of play — creative, composed, and decisive — has earned him comparisons to Thembinkosi Lorch, whom he cites as his footballing idol.
Off the pitch, his story reflects South Africa’s layered identity. Initially registered under his mother’s surname, Ratomo, he later changed to Mofokeng, the name of his father, former footballer Sechaba Mofokeng, after his parents married. The switch was officially recognised by Orlando Pirates ahead of the 2023–24 season.
A Move That Divides Opinion
While fans are proud of Relebohile Mofokeng’s rise, not everyone is convinced that the Saudi Pro League is the right next step.
“He deserves everything coming his way, but Saudi football is still developing. I wanted to see him in Europe, not lost in the desert,” one Orlando Pirates fan posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Another supporter replied with cautious optimism: “At least he’s not going to a struggling league. Saudi clubs are signing big names, and professionals will coach him. He’ll grow.”
But some football analysts are more critical. A local journalist covering the DStv Premiership said, “This is a great move for the player financially. But for South African football? It’s worrying. If our top talents are being bought for €1.5 million by non-European clubs, we have to ask: are our players undervalued? Or are we under-selling them?”
The same journalist noted that earlier rumours linking Relebohile Mofokeng to PSV Eindhoven and MLS clubs suggest there was broader interest — yet the final destination is a league better known for attracting veterans, not exporting to Europe.
The Business of Talent
Economically, the move makes sense — for Pirates and Mofokeng. With R31 million on the table, the Pirates gain vital funds. The Saudi Pro League, backed by state wealth, continues to scoop up young global talent alongside aging European stars, and South Africa’s financial limitations mean clubs often can’t afford to wait for better offers.
But there’s a broader cost. As more young talents opt for Gulf or Asian leagues, local football risks becoming a stepping stone without clear upward mobility. Players move early, but not always forward.
“If we had stronger structures, clubs could hold out longer, or negotiate from a position of strength,” a former development coach said. “But until the PSL becomes self-sustaining through broadcast and gate revenues, this will continue.”
Mofokeng’s departure, hot on the heels of Mohau Nkota — another Pirates academy graduate signed by Al-Ettifaq earlier this month — underscores both the club’s success in development and the league’s challenge in retention.
Mofokeng’s Moment
Regardless of what lies ahead, Relebohile Mofokeng’s journey is worth celebrating. From the dusty fields of Sharpeville to Bafana Bafana and now to a major international contract, he has earned every step.
Whether this move becomes a launching pad or a detour depends on what happens next. The Saudi Pro League may not offer the same exposure as Europe, but it presents new challenges, resources, and visibility in a rapidly growing football ecosystem. Under Steven Gerrard’s watch at Al-Ettifaq, he may find room to refine his game — or risk being overshadowed by bigger names.
What is clear is that Relebohile Mofokeng’s departure is not just another transfer story. It’s a snapshot of where South African football stands: full of promise, weighed down by financial reality, and in urgent need of a clearer long-term vision.
