Relebohile Mofokeng is tipped by Bafana Bafana legend Kagisho Dikgacoi to be the main man for the national team at the World Cup.
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Bafana Bafana legend Kagisho Dikgacoi believes 21-year-old Relebohile Mofokeng is no longer just a promising talent, but a player ready to carry South Africa’s World Cup ambitions.
The Orlando Pirates attacker has emerged as one of the defining figures in the Betway Premiership title race, combining end product with maturity well beyond his age.
As Bafana’s World Cup plans take shape, his name is becoming increasingly central to the conversation.
At club level, Mofokeng’s influence has been undeniable. In the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season, he has delivered 10 goals and eight assists in 26 league appearances, making him one of the most productive attackers in the division.
His output has directly contributed to Pirates’ sustained title challenge, with decisive moments in tightly contested matches helping keep them within reach of the summit.
His overall rise has also been rapid. Across competitions, he has developed into a consistent attacking outlet, capable of operating in multiple forward roles while maintaining a strong final-third impact.
For a Pirates side built on balance and defensive stability, his creativity has often provided the difference in breaking down structured opposition.
That blend of courage and end product is exactly what Dikgacoi believes makes him special.
“Rele has been playing well in that position, without Sipho Mbule, I think Rele will fill in that position but we also need to have cover for him incase he gets injured or suspended,” he said.
Dikgacoi also highlighted the importance of tactical flexibility within the Bafana setup, noting that while alternatives exist, reshuffling the squad could disrupt balance.
“But the likes of Teboho (Mokoena) are versatile and can be converted into different roles but that would mean more reshuffles are required in other places as well.”
What stands out most for the former midfielder is Mofokeng’s mentality — particularly his willingness to compete physically and take responsibility in dangerous areas.
“What I like about him (Rele) is the fact that he’s brave, he doesn’t shy away from tackles and doesn’t run away from contact, he gets into the right zones and is a dangerous player for us,” he said.
Dikgacoi went further, comparing his rise to global examples of young players trusted on the biggest stage.
“For me, his age or size doesn’t matter (he’s ready). If you remember when we played Mexico in 2010, they had a player called (Giovanni) Do Santos who was 17 at the time and he was their biggest threat, almost carrying the hopes of a nation.”
With Mofokeng already exposed to major tournaments and international football, Dikgacoi believes he is ready to step into a starting role.
“Rele has had an excellent season and he’s also played the AFCON, so he knows what it feels like to play in those matches so I feel like he can start any game now.”
As Orlando Pirates push for domestic silverware and Bafana Bafana prepare for the World Cup stage, Mofokeng now sits at the intersection of both ambitions — a young attacker no longer viewed as an emerging talent, but as a genuine match-winner.
For Dikgacoi, the conclusion is simple: South Africa may already have its next tournament star.