Rele Mofokeng eyes overseas move amid AFCON hype

In a major revelation, Orlando Pirates talisman Rele Mofokeng has explicitly stated his ambition to move to an overseas league, declaring that he is prepared to “grab the chance” the moment a foreign offer materialises.

Speaking from Bafana Bafana’s base at the Mohammed VI Complex in Rabat, the 21-year-old winger admitted that he views the ongoing 2025 AFCON as a defining opportunity to secure a dream move abroad.

With South Africa preparing to face Cameroon in a high-stakes Round of 16 clash this Sunday, Mofokeng is well aware that the eyes of the world are on Morocco—and he intends to make his mark.

A Career on the Fast Track

Rele Mofokeng’s statistics and trophy cabinet suggest he has little left to prove on home soil. Since bursting onto the scene, he has racked up 106 appearances, 19 goals, and 25 assists. His 2024 campaign was particularly legendary, seeing him sweep the PSL Young Player of the Season, Nedbank Cup Most Promising Player, and Gauteng Sports Personality of the Year awards.

He followed that up by claiming the MTN8 Last Man Standing title for the 2024/25 season, proving himself as a “big game” player by helping the Buccaneers secure both the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup titles.

“When I Get a Chance, I’ll Grab It”: Rele Mofokeng

Following the recent departures of teammates Mohau Nkota to Al Ettifaq (Saudi Arabia) and Mbekezeli Mbokazi to Chicago Fire (USA), the pressure for Mofokeng to be the next big export has intensified. The young star is not shying away from the challenge.

“I think if something can be available for me, I can get the chance somewhere in another country,” Rele Mofokeng said on Saturday. “I think it will be a very good move. This tournament is very important. When I get a chance, I’ll just have to grab it.”

While the physical challenge of facing Cameroon’s “Indomitable Lions” at the El Medina Stadium is a daunting prospect, Mofokeng believes his mental approach will bridge the gap.

“The most important thing is mentality,” he explained. “Even if a person is bigger, the mentality matters the most because if I tell myself that I’m going to get past this guy, I’m going to do it.”

Working under the steady hand of Hugo Broos—a man who knows exactly what it takes to win this tournament—Mofokeng is poised to be South Africa’s X-factor. If Bafana Bafana can overcome Cameroon, it may not just be a win for the nation, but the final audition Rele Mofokeng needs to punch his ticket to a global league.