Andre de Jong backs Rele Mofokeng for top PSL honours

Orlando Pirates’ pursuit of their first league title in over a decade has found its heartbeat in Relebohile Mofokeng—and teammate Andre de Jong believes the youngster is now the frontrunner to sweep the PSL’s individual honours.

As the Buccaneers continue their high-stakes tug-of-war with Mamelodi Sundowns for the Betway Premiership crown, Mofokeng has transitioned from a promising starlet into a clinical match-winner. The School of Excellence graduate has become an indispensable asset for head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, delivering the kind of consistency rarely seen from a 21-year-old in the heat of a title race.

Mofokeng’s growing influence was on full display last weekend at the Orlando Amstel Arena, where he netted a world-class goal in the 3-0 dispatching of AmaZulu FC. That strike, supported by goals from Yanela Mbuthuma and Oswin Appollis, served as a timely reminder of why the winger is now being discussed in the same breath as the league’s most seasoned veterans.

10 Goals, 10 Assists: Rele Mofokeng Destined for the Top

Mofokeng’s candidacy for the season’s top awards is firmly rooted in his remarkable productivity. In 22 league appearances, he has recorded a “double-double” of 10 goals and 10 assists—a statistical feat that has made him the odds-on favourite for the Footballer of the Season award.

The youngster is also locked in a three-way battle for the Golden Boot. He currently sits just three goals behind Junior Dion of Golden Arrows (13 goals) and within striking distance of Mamelodi Sundowns’ Iqraam Rayners, who has 11.

Addressing the media on Thursday ahead of the much-anticipated Soweto Derby, Andre de Jong provided an insider’s perspective on Mofokeng’s rapid ascent.

“To see him and train with him while he’s banging in goals is really nice. I think he’s got a massive future ahead of him and he’s probably up for the Player of the Season award,” De Jong remarked. “So hopefully that goes to him or Oswin [Appollis]; I think they are both deserving of it.”

Having previously shared the pitch with several of South Africa’s breakout stars, De Jong ranks Mofokeng among the very best he has encountered.

“For me, just experiencing the young players, I think he’s up there with the best. I had Jayden Adams at Stellenbosch FC, and he was ticking nicely at that time. Tshepang [Moremi] at AmaZulu FC was also good, so I’ve been lucky to play with a lot of these guys. I think they have a bright future; hopefully, they can go overseas at some point to test themselves.”

With a capacity crowd expected at the FNB Stadium this Sunday, Mofokeng faces the ultimate audition. A standout performance against Kaizer Chiefs would not only solidify his Player of the Season credentials but could provide the decisive momentum Pirates need to finally end their long-standing league drought.