Ever-Relebohile - Orlando Pirates Star Circled by European Clubs After Another Outstanding Display
Pirates Star Targetted by European Clubs
Orlando Pirates star Relebohile Mofokeng has emerged as a target for a host of clubs across Europe and beyond this summer, with the 21-year-old South African playing a starring role in the Premiership this season.
The attacker netted a stunning brace against Lamontville last time out to follow up from a hat-trick against TS Galaxy on the 22nd of March, which brought him up to nine goals and five assists from 20 league appearances this term.
🚨Relebohile Mofokeng vs Panama💎🌟
— Bennett Family Vlog (@BennettFamVlog) March 28, 2026
Compilation of Relebohile Mofokeng's performance against Panama at Moses Mabhida Stadium as part of the FIFA World Cup preparations. pic.twitter.com/ES8Lyp6tmS
With manager Abdeslam Ouaddou branding him as a 'once-in-a-generation' player, European clubs are starting to take stock in the star before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, for which Mofokeng is expected to be appearing at for Bafana Bafana.
Sources close to Mofokeng have indicated that he has been advised to make any decision on his immediate future after the end of the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico this summer.
European Clubs Set to Race for Mofokeng
EFL Championship side Norwich City are one of the more commonly-linked names alongside the race to sign Mofokeng this summer, as well as Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven and MLS outfit Minnesota United and Scottish juggernauts Rangers.
There was a previous link between Mofokeng and Barcelona, but Football Park have since been informed that links surrounding that move have gone quiet.
🚨🇿🇦 𝗠𝗢𝗙𝗢𝗞𝗘𝗡𝗚 𝗠𝗔𝗞𝗘𝗦 𝗛𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬‼️
— Bennett Family Vlog (@BennettFamVlog) March 29, 2026
🇿🇦 Relebohile Mofokeng (21) has officially matched and surpassed one of the biggest benchmarks in South African football!
The young star reaches 117 Betway Premiership appearances with an incredible 54 goal contributions,… pic.twitter.com/f5woJ3CuBx
Ouaddou was clear in his statements regarding Mofokeng's talents, particularly after his standout performance against Lamontville on the 7th of April:
“These kinds of players, you get players like that every 10 or 15 years.
“So, he has talent, it is in his blood, he’s still young, of course, we need to give him some instruction in order to be even more efficient.
“Especially in that area where there are lots of duels, it’s crowded, so for us as coaches, the talent he has, technical quality he has, the intelligence he has, but sometimes when you have such quality like that, sometimes you abuse these qualities,” the Orlando Pirates coach stated.
Orlando Pirates Set for Re-Shuffle Following Tense Title Race
The Pirates look likely to clear several experienced players out of their squad at the end of the season, with the club looking to revamp their squad in the summer, according to The South African.
The likes of Bandile Shandu, Tapelo Xoki, Kabelo Dlamini and Tshegofatso Mabasa are amongst the pack facing uncertain futures with the club, with veteran midfielder Makhehlene Makhaulu reportedly considering retirement at the end of the season, especially if Orlando Pirates win the league amidst their tense fight with Mamelodi Sundowns.
3 - This is the first time in PSL history that Orlando Pirates have scored 3+ first-half goals in back-to-back league games. Rampant. pic.twitter.com/Wt0dmNvH3y
— OptaJabu (@OptaJabu) April 7, 2026
Shandu's contract is set to expire at the end of the season with his agent, Mike Makaab, confirming in previous days that discussions will be held with the Buccaneers regarding his immediate future.
The 31-year-old right-back has been on the books with Orlando for five years, tallying over 100 appearances during his time with the side. However, minutes have been at a premium for him this season under Ouaddou, making just one league start this term and fuelling rumours about his long-term picture with the club.
“Bandile, his contract is expiring at the end of the season,” Makaab told iDiski Times.
Another player who's deal is nearing its end is another right-back in Thabiso Lebitso. He is in the final months of his contract now, meaning he is free to negotiate with other clubs without a fresh Pirates deal on the table.
However, reports have claimed that the club still view Lebitso in their long-term plans and are in discussions regarding a contract extension.
Harry Pascoe 
Jake Brown 