Orlando Pirates wonderkid Relebohile Mofokeng is making headlines after he added another feather to his cap after winning one of the most significant sporting awards at the 13th edition of the Gauteng Sports Awards.
The annual awards ceremony occurred on 24 November at the Auckland Park Campus of the University of Johannesburg.
ORLANDO PIRATES STAR RELEBOHILE MOFOKENG WINS BIG AT THE GAUTENG SPORTS AWARDS
Dubbed as the next big star from South Africa, the Orlando Pirates poster boy won the Sports Personality of the Year award at the ceremony.
The 20-year-old star outshone a host of athletes who won big this year, including Olympic champion Tatjana Smith, UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis, and Mamelodi Sundowns captain Ronwen Williams.
Other notable athletes who missed the award include former African 100m record holder Akani Simbine.
Relebohile Mofokeng has been trending against his big win. Since his thrust into the limelight, he has won several accolades, which include:
PSL Young Player of the Season
Nedbank Cup Most Promising Player of the Tournament
Gauteng Sports Personality of the Year
In 15 games for the Orlando Pirates this season, he has scored four goals and has five assists. His flair and command of the game have since earned him a national team call-up.
However, Relebohile Mofokeng was absent from the awards ceremony, but his mother received the honour on his behalf.
While accepting Relebohile’s award, Maomi Mofokeng said, “I’m very honoured to come here today and receive this award for him.”
She added, “It is a privilege to have a son like him. Relebohile is always a respectful, humble soul. So again, I would like to thank everyone who voted for him.”
CAREER
The 20-year-old star started his youth career with Transnet School of Excellence. A few months ago, he topped trends after his photos of him wearing a Mamelodi Sundowns jersey went viral.
However, The South African established that Relebohile Mofokeng played for a team that wore a Mamelodi Sundowns jersey.
He once played for Amandl/Vaal Juventus FC—before joining Orlando Pirates. In 2022, he joined Orlando Pirates Youth Academy, and a year later, he was promoted to the senior team.
Since then, he has won big and become the club’s poster boy. In 2023, he hogged headlines after having trials with English Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers (Wolves).
Several European clubs are said to be closely monitoring him.