Is Relebohile Mofokeng ready for Europe? All the latest on Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana’s starlet

Relebohile Mofokeng, the 20-year-old Orlando Pirates winger nicknamed “CocoMelon,” has taken South African football by storm. With a breakthrough performance at both club and national level, European clubs are taking notice. But can he make the leap successfully? Here’s what experts, agents, and legends are saying.

Why Europe Is Now on Mofokeng’s Radar

Mofokeng’s rise has been meteoric: across two seasons with Orlando Pirates, he has already recorded 27 goal contributions and helped the team reach CAF Champions League and semifinals of the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup. His skill, pace, and vision have caught the attention of scouts and agents abroad.

A European agent quoted by Kick Off emphasised the importance of his ambition: “The boy must not get too comfortable being the star player at home but aim to play… in the UEFA Champions League” . That endorsement signals genuine interest in his talents on the continental stage.

Interest from Barcelona B, Rangers & Others

Interest in Mofokeng extends beyond local chatter. Reports indicate that Barcelona B, Rangers, Levante, and even MLS side Toronto have shown interest in securing his signature . Barcelona’s scouts are reportedly impressed with his technical agility — although Broos warns that joining a second team in Spain would require patience rather than immediate impact. Rangers and Levante, too, appear keen, though Broos cautions the Scottish game’s physical demands may not align with Mofokeng’s style.

Hugo Broos & Lucas Radebe: Advocates for Patience

Both Bafana coach Hugo Broos and national legend Lucas Radebe echo the same advice: slow and steady wins the race. Broos believes Mofokeng is not yet ready for a high-pressure European team and should spend another season in South Africa, gaining more Champions League and PSL experience . He suggests that leagues in Belgium, the Netherlands, France, or Portugal offer the ideal environment for development. Radebe, meanwhile, echoed this approach, highlighting examples such as Cassius Mailula’s move to MLS, which stalled without proper preparation.

Managing Expectations Under Pressure

Broos also commented on the psychological weight of Mofokeng’s early fame. Despite dips in form, he continues to support the player, pointing out that public anticipation and transfer rumors can be distracting. He emphasized that Mofokeng remains his first choice in the national squad because his talent mentally and technically outweigh temporary setbacks .

Valuation Set: Pirates Holding Firm

Orlando Pirates have made it clear they see long-term value in keeping their young star — for now. Reports suggest the club is seeking about R31 million (≈€1.5m) for his services . This valuation reflects their belief in his growing influence and potential, serving as both a deterrent and signal of ambition for interested clubs.

What’s Next for Mofokeng?

• In the short term, another season with the Pirates, featuring deep runs in the CAF Champions League, could solidify his readiness for Europe.

• A carefully chosen destination, such as a Belgian or Dutch club, would provide competitive football while allowing him to adapt gradually.

• In 12–24 months, equipped with maturity, physicality, and consistent performance, Mofokeng could then make a bigger move — potentially to Barcelona B, Rangers, or even a top-six European team.

Relebohile Mofokeng stands at a pivotal moment. With undeniable skill and growing momentum, the temptation to move to Europe is strong. But voices like Hugo Broos and Lucas Radebe remind him that readiness matters more than hype. Europe is waiting — and if the move is smart, strategic, and well-timed, Mofokeng may become one of Africa’s next great exports.