Orlando Pirates prodigy Relebohile Mofokeng has cemented his place among South Africa’s sporting elite by claiming the Sports Personality of the Year award.
At just 20 years old, Mofokeng triumphed over prominent names, including Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis, and Olympic medallist Tatjana Schoenmaker.
The ceremony, held at the University of Johannesburg’s Auckland Park Campus, celebrated South Africa’s finest sporting achievements.
Mofokeng’s meteoric rise under the tutelage of Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has made him a standout figure in local football.
This season alone, he has tallied four goals and five assists in 15 appearances, becoming a vital cog in Pirates’ attack. His form has also earned him consistent call-ups to the Bafana Bafana squad, further solidifying his reputation.
Reflecting on his contributions, Mofokeng has played a pivotal role in Pirates’ back-to-back MTN8 Cup triumphs and their Nedbank Cup success. He was previously named PSL Young Player of the Season, and his latest accolade highlights his continued growth as one of South Africa’s brightest talents.
Although Mofokeng was unable to accept the award in person due to his club’s CAF Champions League commitments in Algeria, his mother, Naomi Mofokeng, proudly accepted the honour on his behalf.
“As Relebohile’s mother, I feel deeply honoured to receive this award for him,” she said. “He is a humble, respectful young man, and I am grateful to everyone who recognised his efforts.”
Pirates are gearing up for a challenging Group C opener against CR Belouizdad on Tuesday, with Mofokeng expected to play a crucial role.