‘Special moment’: Rele Mofokeng reacts to maiden hat-trick

Orlando Pirates sensation Relebohile Mofokeng has labelled his first professional hat-trick a “special” milestone after inspiring the Buccaneers to a ruthless 6-0 demolition of TS Galaxy at the Mbombela Stadium on Sunday.

The 21-year-old forward was the architect of a dominant display that catapulted Pirates to the summit of the Betway Premiership. While the title race remains a neck-and-neck battle with Mamelodi Sundowns—who have a game in hand—the emphatic nature of the win has sent a clear message to the defending champions.

Mofokeng set the tone within the opening minute, curling a sublime free-kick past the Galaxy goalkeeper. By the interval, the Soweto giants were cruising with a 3-0 lead, courtesy of a Tshepang Moremi strike and a Mlungisi Mbunjana own goal.

MOFOKENG: ‘I’VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS’

The second half belonged entirely to the Bafana Bafana attacker. Mofokeng struck again shortly after the restart and completed his treble in the 68th minute with a clinical finish from range, significantly boosting Pirates’ goal difference in the process.

Reflecting on his individual brilliance, Mofokeng was quick to divert the praise toward the collective unit.

“First, I’d like to thank my teammates. They worked very hard and they deserve this win,” Mofokeng told the media post-match. “We’ve been preparing for this match all week. Even though it looked easy, the work behind it was very difficult, but we managed to get the three points and we move on.”

The playmaker admitted that reaching the hat-trick milestone was a massive weight off his shoulders.

“It’s very special. I’ve been waiting for this moment… I’ve not been getting these kinds of moments lately,” he added. “It’s very important to boost my confidence.”

The victory follows a frustrating draw against Siwelele FC, a result that had previously slowed Pirates’ momentum. Mofokeng revealed that the clinical edge shown in Nelspruit was a direct result of intense sessions on the training pitch.

“We’ve been training and working specifically on our finishing and composure,” he noted. Addressing the jubilant Buccaneers faithful, he added: “This is for the fans. This is your team, and we will always do our best for you.”

Adding salt to the wounds of the hosts, former TS Galaxy winger Kamogelo Sebelebele also got on the scoresheet against his former employers.

Pirates now head into the FIFA international break at the top of the log. They will return to action on April 7, hosting Golden Arrows at the Orlando Stadium, before a midweek trip to face Richards Bay three days later.