Sechaba Mofokeng has revealed how his son, Relebohile Mofokeng, turned down a more lucrative offer from Mamelodi Sundowns to join Orlando Pirates, a decision that helped shape the young footballer’s career.

Relebohile has since established himself as one of South Africa’s most exciting football talents. He became an important player for Pirates and Bafana Bafana before earning a move to Belgian Super Cup champions Royal Union Saint-Gilloise.

Speaking on the Giants programme, Sechaba explained how Sundowns initially approached the family with an offer for his son to join their under-19 team. The club, led by president Patrice Motsepe, reportedly offered Relebohile a monthly salary of R15,000, with the possibility of promotion to the reserve team in the DStv Diski Challenge if he performed well.

“Motsepe wanted him to play for the U19s and offered him R15,000 – and if he did well, they would promote him to the reserve team in the DDC,” Sechaba said.

The family had initially planned to respond to Sundowns on the following Tuesday. However, when that morning arrived, representatives from Orlando Pirates were already waiting outside their gate with an offer of their own.

Sechaba recalled that the Pirates representatives told them that club chairman Irvin Khoza wanted Relebohile to join the Soweto giants.

Pirates offered the youngster an opportunity to play in the DDC, but the proposed salary was considerably lower than Sundowns’ offer. According to Sechaba, the Buccaneers were prepared to pay R6,000 per month.

“The Pirates contract was to play in the DDC, for R6,000. I asked them for two minutes to discuss it. Eish, I said the ball is in your court, my friend. You choose Yellow, they give us R15,000 per month, you go to Pirates, they give you R6,000 per month,” he recalled.

Sechaba said he left the final decision to his son, allowing him to choose between the two clubs. Relebohile did not immediately answer, telling his father that he would speak to him after they had taken a bath.

When they eventually spoke, the young footballer made it clear that he wanted to join Pirates. His father tried to explain the financial difference between the offers, but Relebohile remained firm in his decision.

Sechaba explained that his son believed Pirates offered a better opportunity to reach the senior team because several first-team players had progressed through the club’s development structures.

Looking back, Relebohile’s choice proved significant. He progressed through the Pirates system, broke into the senior team and earned international recognition with Bafana Bafana. His move to Royal Union Saint-Gilloise has since opened another chapter in his career, showing how his decision to prioritise a pathway into senior football helped shape his rise.

Source: IDiskiTimes