Rele Mofokeng explains why the ‘number 10’ role is his perfect fit

The Orlando Amstel Arena bore witness to a masterclass on Tuesday night as Orlando Pirates dismantled a visiting Golden Arrows side 5-0. At the heart of that clinical Betway Premiership display was none other than Relebohile Mofokeng, who continues to silence critics and justify his coach’s tactical reshuffle.

The 21-year-old sensation spearheaded the assault with a brace, complemented by another double from Oswin Appollis. A nightmarish evening for Arrows shot-stopper Edward Maova saw him turn the ball into his own net, rounding off a resounding victory for the Buccaneers. Despite the five-star performance, Abdeslam Ouaddou’s men remain in second place, trailing log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns by two points.

However, the statistics suggest a shift in the balance of power. Pirates have now plundered 45 goals in 23 league outings, boasting a superior goal difference of +36 while leaking a mere nine goals at the back.

This crushing win follows a 6-0 demolition of TS Galaxy prior to the FIFA break, meaning the Soweto giants have netted 11 unanswered goals in just two matches—a definitive statement of intent for a club chasing its first league crown since 2012.

For Mofokeng, the brace on Tuesday was a continuation of his red-hot streak, coming off the back of a hat-trick against the Rockets. With five goals in his last two appearances and six Man of the Match accolades this term, the youngster is firmly in the conversation for the PSL Footballer of the Year award.

THE REINVENTION OF RELEBOHILE MOFOKENG: PIRATES’ NEW CREATIVE HUB

With nine league goals and five assists to his name, Mofokeng’s resurgence is a testament to coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s tactical vision. Earlier in the campaign, the Moroccan mentor opted to bench the Bafana Bafana star following a dip in form. However, a post-2025 AFCON recalibration saw Mofokeng moved from the touchline into a central playmaking role.

This positional switch has earned the nod of Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos, who has long maintained that the player’s ceiling is highest when operating as a ‘Number 10,’ where his freedom of movement is maximized.

Speaking to SuperSport TV after the match, the slippery attacker admitted that the central pocket is where he feels most at home.

“I think the style we play here at Pirates, a 10 is suitable for me. I’m not really someone who likes running. I’m someone who prefers tiny spaces,” Mofokeng explained.

“So, I think the number 10 position is fine for me. Even on the wing I like to play, but the best for me is the 10 position.”

As Pirates prepare for the final stretch of the season, Mofokeng’s comfort in that creative hub could be the deciding factor in whether the trophy finally returns to Orlando.