How Orlando Pirates stood up to Mamelodi Sundowns for Relebohile Mofokeng

As a youth coach and scout, Mandla Qhogi understood the harsh realities of talent spotting – some players slip through the cracks, and opportunities fade when clubs hesitate. But when he first saw Relebohile Mofokeng dazzling at the Vino Snap "Best of the Best" U20 tournament in the Vaal, something clicked. This wasn't just another prospect; this was a future star that Orlando Pirates couldn't afford to miss.

At the time, Pirates weren't even competing in the Gauteng Development League (GDL), making Qhogi's scouting mission purely passion-driven. "I attended the tournament unofficially," Qhogi reveals to FARPost. "No assignment, just love for the game. Then I saw this boy – his technique, his vision – and immediately knew he was special."

The teenager turned out to be part of the prestigious Transnet/SAFA School of Excellence, but securing his signature required patience. Unlike typical scouting scenarios where deals move quickly, this one needed high-level intervention. "At Pirates, these negotiations involve the chairman," Qhogi explains. "We identify talent, present it, and the club handles the rest. The chairman and School of Excellence principal had to work it out."

What followed was a test of conviction. While others might have moved on, Qhogi kept pushing – knocking on doors, reminding decision-makers, refusing to let bureaucracy bury a gem. His persistence paid off: Mofokeng is now one of South Africa’s most exciting young talents, proving that sometimes, the difference between a missed opportunity and a future star is simply someone who refuses to quit.