A former Premier Soccer League coach has backed Orlando Pirates star Relebohile Mofokeng to shine overseas if the forward were to make the switch to Saudi Arabia.
The 20-year-old attacker has been one of the Buccaneers' standout performers over the past two seasons.
Mofokeng was promoted to the club's senior team from the DStv Diski Challenge in 2023 and hasn't looked back since.
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His rise to prominence has drawn attention from across the football world, with clubs in both Europe and Africa reportedly monitoring his progress.
Ahead of the 2025/26 season, Mofokeng has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq, the same club that recently signed Mohau Nkota from Pirates.
Amid growing interest and consistent performances, former Kaizer Chiefs striker and ex-Baroka FC coach Wedson Nyirenda has spoken highly of the talented youngster.
"As a coach of the beautiful game, I have been watching PSL in my spare time. And I have noticed the great talent in this young man. No doubt the boy is a football genius. I love his game, but I have a lot of worries. We all love the game of football and this son of Africa must be helped, especially by the handlers, he is a genius, we are talking of a 20-year-old boy," Nyirenda told KickOff.
"This player is shouldering one of Africa’s biggest clubs in a big league like PSL. And with all the accolades coming from the way he has been playing and most times single-handedly turn the course of the team into winning path, it is dangerous for the player of his age if not well nurtured.
"We should not be carried away with the good performance he is giving us and results we are receiving. We should and must look at his future as well. What is in it for his in terms of the game and also his livelihood. The balance between the two would be a great thing to give the boy.
"I am informed that Rele is very disciplined and focused boy. That is a plus but let the handlers be more proactive and strict in dealing with his affairs. Every six hours there is a club talking about having the boy and that alone can easily sway the good mind of any player of his age from the concentration of the game."
The Zambian tactician has also urged both Pirates and Mofokeng's representatives to consider selling him to a top club, highlighting the potential financial benefits such a move could bring.
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"We have seen many cases in SA, Zambia, and everywhere in this game. Fans can lift you and they are the very ones who can bring you down so fast. My word to the handlers of this African genius is that they must look into the balance between the boy’s Game and the livelihood. He is a player but has a life and family to take care of," he added.
"I believe taking the young man to the league better than PSL in football and monetary levels would be very helpful. Because while everyone will enjoy the game he and his family will benefit from it. That is the balance. Rele, I love you and your game son. God bless you and keep shining for South Africa and Africa. Hope to see you in one of the big leagues soon."
