Relebohile Mofokeng’s father reveals for the first time the offer made to his son by Mamelodi Sundowns!

New light has been shed on the circumstances that led Relebohile Mofokeng to choose Orlando Pirates over Mamelodi Sundowns back in 2022.

At just 17 years old at the time, the youngster had become one of the most sought-after talents in the country after producing standout performances for the prestigious Transnet School of Excellence at the Pirates Under-19 Cup.

• read more: Miguel Reisinho remains unattached after Sundowns exit

Although Sundowns and Pirates had both emerged as the leading contenders in the race to secure his services, it was ultimately the Sea Robbers who came out on top in the battle for his signature.

What offer did Mamelodi Sundowns make for Relebohile Mofokeng?

Sechaba Mofokeng, the player's father, has revealed how Mamelodi Sundowns tried to lure his son Relebohile away from Orlando Pirates in 2022 — and why the youngster ultimately chose a far smaller pay packet.

According to Sechaba, the African champions dangled a place in their under-19 side, coupled with the promise of a step up to the DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) team, on a monthly salary of R15 000.

"Motsepe wanted him to play for the U19s and offered him R15,000, and if he did well, they would promote him to the reserve team in the DDC," he recalled.

The Sharpeville-born talent, however, put pen to paper with the Sea Robbers instead, despite a much leaner offer of R6 000 — though with the guarantee of immediate DDC football.

"The Pirates contract was to play in the DDC, for R6000. I asked them for two minutes to discuss it. Eish, I said the ball is in your court my friend.

"You choose Yellow, they give us R15,000 per month, you go to Pirates, they give you R6000 per month."

The gamble paid off handsomely. Nicknamed "President Yama 2k," Mofokeng lit up the DDC before earning his senior bow in May 2023 against Royal AM.

He went on to claim the league's Young Player of the Season award for 2023/24, before being crowned the 2025/26 Player of the Season and Footballer of the Season.

His rise to becoming a key figure for South Africa's national team soon caught the eye of Europe, and he completed a Premier Soccer League record R65 million switch to Belgian champions Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.

Hazem Mlhem |

Editorar, en

Hazem Mlhem est un rédacteur sportif expérimenté, animé par une passion pour le football africain.

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