Chiefs academy graduate hails Rele Mofokeng as key inspiration

Kaizer Chiefs academy graduate Naledi Hlongwane has credited Orlando Pirates sensation Relebohile Mofokeng as his primary source of motivation, citing their shared background and history as on-field rivals in their youth.

Mofokeng has experienced a rapid ascent in South African football, quickly establishing himself as a vital player for both the Buccaneers’ senior team and the Bafana Bafana squad.

Hlongwane stated that he is from the same township as Mofokeng in the Vaal area and previously faced off during their primary school football careers.

The Chiefs prospect stated that Mofokeng’s successful promotion to Pirates’ first team has provided a significant catalyst for his own ambitions at Naturena.

The Amakhosi starlet made the remarks at Naturena just before the Kaizer Chiefs DStv Diski Challenge side (the reserve team) departed for England on Tuesday. As reserve league champions, Chiefs will embark on an 11-day International Tour—scheduled from November 25 to December 7, 2025—where they are set to face Manchester United, Leeds United, and Queens Park Rangers.

Chiefs Star Hlongwane Makes Rele Mofokeng Admission

“I would say it’s Relebohile Mofokeng [who inspires me], because we used to play together in primary,” Hlongwane explained. “We grew up together, playing like…he was in another primary, and I was in another one. So, we were rivals.”

Hlongwane detailed the impact of seeing his contemporary achieve success: “I could say he’s the one who made me push myself because I was like, ‘This guy we were playing together, and now he is in the first team of Pirates, playing regularly.’”

The Chiefs youngster concluded that Mofokeng’s journey has intensified his determination to succeed at his own club.

“I could say that it made me push myself to the limit. So, he’s the one I’d say he inspires me no,w cause I grew up with him and I know the struggle with him,” Hlongwane added. “He’s the one who made me push myself to want to also play for Kaizer Chiefs first team.”