Relebohile Mofokeng Explained

Relebohile Mofokeng Ratomo
Fullname:Relebohile Mofokeng
Birth Date:23 October 2004
Birth Name:Relebohile Ratomo[1]
Birth Place:Sharpeville, South Africa
Height:1.61 m
Currentclub:Orlando Pirates
Clubnumber:38
Position:Midfielder
Youthclubs1:Transnet School of Excellence
Youthyears2:2022–2023
Youthclubs2:Orlando Pirates
Years1:2023–
Caps1:28
Goals1:4
Nationalyears1:2022–
Nationalteam1:South Africa U20
Nationalcaps1:5
Nationalgoals1:2
Nationalyears2:2024–
Nationalteam2:South Africa
Nationalcaps2:1
Nationalgoals2:0
Club-Update:30 June 2024
Nationalteam-Update:11 June 2024

Relebohile Mofokeng ( Ratomo; born 23 October 2004) is a South African professional footballer who plays as a midfielder and winger for Orlando Pirates and the South Africa national team.[2] [3]

Club career

Mofokeng progressed through the Transnet School of Excellence, before a transfer arrangement between South African Premier Division sides Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates was met, with Mofokeng joining Orlando Pirates and teammate Siyabonga Mabena joining the Mamelodi Sundowns.[4] Mofokeng integrated well into the academy of Orlando Pirates, impressing with the reserve team in the DStv Diski Challenge, and being invited to train with the first team.[5]

Having featured on the bench four times, he was given his first start for the club in a DStv Premiership game against Royal AM on 3 May 2023. Following a mistake by Royal AM's Mozambiquan player Domingues, Mofokeng's shot deflected off Domingues into the back of the net. However, the goal was given as an own-goal, as the initial shot was not on target.[6] In only his second game for the club, he notched a goal and an assist in a 4–0 win against AmaZulu.[7]

International career

Mofokeng represented South Africa at the 2022 COSAFA U-20 Cup, scoring twice in five appearances.[6]

He received his first senior national team call-up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers to be played in June 2024 against Nigeria and Zimbambwe. Mofokeng made his debut against the latter on 11 June 2024 at the Free State Stadium. He substituted Oswin Appollis in added time, as South Africa won 3–1.[8]

Personal life

At the time of his move to the Orlando Pirates, he had been using his mother's last name, Ratomo, as his parents were not yet married.[9] Three weeks after his registration with the club, he changed his last name legally to Mofokeng - the last name of his father, and former footballer, Sechaba Mofokeng - and this would be his official name ahead of the 2023–24 season.[9] This name change was confirmed by the Orlando Pirates on 4 August 2023.[10]

Career statistics

Club

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
ClubSeasonLeagueNational CupLeague CupContinentalOtherTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Orlando Pirates2022–23DStv Premiership210000000021
2023–2426352303010385
Career total28450303010406

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Orlando Pirates star changes his surname. Ofhani. Munyai. 4 August 2023. 26 August 2023. farpost.co.za.
  2. https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/sport/soccer/2024-06-03-bucs-hero-mofokeng-vows-to-stay-grounded/
  3. https://www.orlandopiratesfc.com/team/forwards/relebohile-mofokeng/
  4. Web site: Mabena: How Orlando Pirates-Mamelodi Sundowns transfer tug-of-war over Bafana Bafana youngster was resolved. Kiplagat. Sang. 7 December 2022. 12 June 2023. goal.com.
  5. Web site: Pirates sensational striker Ratomo will not be rushed. 13 February 2023. 12 June 2023. citizen.co.za.
  6. Web site: Orlando Pirates exciting youngster Ratomo shines on PSL debut. Michaelson. Gumede. 3 May 2023. 12 June 2023. goal.com.
  7. Web site: Jose Riveiro pleads for patience for Pirates' 17-year-old sensation Ratomo. Sithembiso. Dindi. 22 May 2023. 12 June 2023. timeslive.co.za.
  8. Web site: ESPN. South Africa v Zimbabwe game report. 11 June 2024.
  9. Web site: Pirates Teen Sensation To Undergo Name Change. Delmain. Faver. 16 May 2023. 12 June 2023. snl24.com.
  10. Web site: New season, new numbers. 4 August 2023. 26 August 2023. orlandopiratesfc.com.