Sechaba Reveals How Relebohile Rejected Sundowns’ Bigger Offer to Join Orlando Pirates

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 ultimately played a crucial role in shaping the young footballer's professional career.

The revelation offers an interesting insight into the early stages of Relebohile's journey, highlighting how choosing the right development pathway can sometimes be more important than accepting a financially attractive offer.

According to Sechaba, Sundowns were among the first clubs to express a strong interest in securing the talented youngster's services. The Tshwane giants reportedly offered him a monthly salary of R15,000 to join their Under-19 team, with the possibility of promotion to their reserve side in the DStv Diski Challenge if he impressed.

However, Orlando Pirates presented a different opportunity, offering Relebohile a place in their DDC team for a monthly salary of R6,000.

Despite the significant financial difference between the two proposals, the youngster ultimately decided that joining the Buccaneers would give him a better opportunity to progress towards senior professional football.

Speaking about the experience, Sechaba recalled how Pirates representatives arrived at their home with an offer after the family had initially agreed to respond to Sundowns.

The competing offers placed the young footballer in a difficult position, forcing him to consider whether he should prioritise immediate financial benefits or the potential for long-term development.

Sechaba explained that he allowed his son to make the final decision after outlining the differences between the two opportunities.

Relebohile eventually made his preference clear, insisting that he wanted to join Pirates despite the lower salary.

His reasoning was based on his belief that the Soweto giants had a proven pathway for young players to progress from the development structures into the first team.

That conviction would eventually become a defining moment in his career.

After joining Pirates, Relebohile developed through the club's youth system before earning his breakthrough into the senior team in 2023. His technical ability, creativity, confidence and attacking intelligence quickly attracted attention across South African football.

The winger went on to establish himself as one of the country's most exciting young talents, earning recognition with Bafana Bafana and becoming an important figure during his time with the Buccaneers.

His impressive performances subsequently opened the door to European football, with Belgian club Royale Union Saint-Gilloise securing his services ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Relebohile's journey demonstrates the importance of making decisions based on career development rather than financial rewards alone. While Sundowns were prepared to offer him more money at the beginning of his journey, the youngster believed Pirates provided the clearest route towards achieving his ambitions.

With his career continuing to develop on the international stage, Sechaba's revelation serves as a reminder that the right opportunity, combined with talent, patience and determination, can make a significant difference in a young footballer's future.

Source https://x.com/iDiskiTimes/status/2114952734369522131