Relebohile Mofokeng’s father, Sechaba, has revealed how much Mamelodi Sundowns offered his son before the talented youngster opted to join Orlando Pirates in 2022, despite receiving a significantly lower monthly salary.
The revelation has reignited discussions about the decisions that shaped Mofokeng’s rise from a promising young footballer to one of South African football’s most celebrated talents.
Sundowns Offered Mofokeng R15,000 Per Month
According to Sechaba Mofokeng, Mamelodi Sundowns were among the clubs competing for his son’s signature after the youngster impressed while representing the Transnet School of Excellence.
At the time, Mofokeng was only 17 years old and had attracted attention through his performances in the Pirates Under-19 Cup competition.
Sundowns reportedly offered him a place in their Under-19 setup, with a monthly salary of R15,000. The plan was for the youngster to prove himself before earning promotion to the club’s DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) reserve team.
However, the proposed pathway meant that Mofokeng would initially have to establish himself in the Under-19 team before moving up to the next level.
Why Mofokeng Chose Orlando Pirates
Orlando Pirates presented a different opportunity. Although the Soweto giants reportedly offered Mofokeng just R6,000 per month, the deal would allow him to compete immediately in the DDC.
Sechaba explained that the family had to weigh the financial benefits of joining Sundowns against the opportunity available at Pirates.
He recalled explaining the difference to his son, pointing out that Sundowns were offering R15,000 monthly, compared with Pirates’ R6,000.
Despite the significant salary gap, Mofokeng ultimately chose the Buccaneers, a decision that placed him on a development pathway that would eventually lead to senior football.
The choice highlighted an important consideration for young players: immediate playing opportunities and long-term development can sometimes matter more than the salary offered at the beginning of a career.
Mofokeng’s Rise to Stardom at Pirates
Mofokeng quickly established himself as a standout performer in the DDC before making his senior debut for Orlando Pirates against Royal AM in May 2023.
His progress continued during the 2023/24 campaign, when he earned the league’s Young Player of the Season recognition.
He subsequently became an influential figure for Pirates and attracted further attention through his performances for Bafana Bafana, South Africa’s senior national team.
His development demonstrated how quickly a promising academy player can progress when given opportunities to compete and develop at a higher level.
From R6,000 to a Record-Breaking European Move
Mofokeng’s career eventually took him beyond South Africa, with the attacking midfielder completing a reported R65 million move to Belgian club Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.
The transfer represented a remarkable milestone for a player who had once faced a choice between two domestic giants while still a teenager.
Looking back, the reported R6,000 monthly salary offered by Pirates appears modest compared with the heights Mofokeng has reached in his career.
His story also raises questions about the role of patience, development opportunities and the decisions young footballers make when choosing their first professional clubs.
Was Relebohile Mofokeng right to choose Orlando Pirates over Mamelodi Sundowns despite the lower salary? His journey suggests that the best opportunity is not always the one that offers the most money upfront.
