Relebohile Mofokeng: Orlando Pirates Rising Star Leaves Riveiro Speechless After Nedbank Cup Winner

• Orlando Pirates beat Mamelodi Sundowns to win the Nedbank Cup, securing a double cup victory this season
• 19-year-old rising star, Relebohile Mofokeng, scored the winning goal, earning praise from coach Jose Riveiro
• Mofokeng is part of the Bafana Bafana squad that will compete in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

Orlando Pirates' head coach, Jose Riveiro, was speechless with joy after his team's dramatic Nedbank Cup final victory over Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday, June 1.

The Buccaneers' 2-1 win, secured through a late goal by the teenage sensation Relebohile Mofokeng, saw the Spanish manager complete a second consecutive cup double, adding to their earlier MTN8 title won earlier in the year.

The triumph marked the tactician's fourth cup victory in as many finals, a remarkable feat that strengthens his claim to be among the most successful coaches in South Africa.

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Overcome with emotion, he couldn't contain his joy in the post-match interview. Riveiro's strategy involved pushing his players to their limits, which saw an almost impossible comeback against a side that has only lost once in the league this season.

He explained that Sundowns’ high defensive line presented an opportunity, but the Sea Robbers failed to capitalize early. He brought on the 19-year-old as a substitute, a plan which worked, as he scored the winning goal in the dying minutes of the tie.

"We didn’t expect to use him when we’re not leading. That wasn't the plan. Unfortunately, we conceded a goal just as we were about to bring on Tshego and Rele. Our intention was to keep the pace up front with Deon Hotto, Monnapule Saleng, and Rele, trying to stretch Sundowns as much as possible." said the Pirates boss, as quoted by iDiski Times.

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Mofokeng's stunning performances this season haven't gone unnoticed. Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos, impressed by his consistency, included him in the national team's 23-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria and Zimbabwe, per CAF.

The Belgian manager praised his dedication, as he had earned a nomination for the DSTv Premiership’s Young Player of the Season award.

Ex-Pirates star pleads for Mofokeng's protection

Sports Brief reported that Dumisa Ngobe wanted Pirates to manage Mofokeng well, personally and professionally.

Ngobe used Sundowns' handling of Percy Tau and Sphelele Mkhulise, which resulted in one becoming a continental star and the other an important part of one of the best teams in Africa.

The teenager's rise has prompted many to warn against the trappings of success and the need to help the young man realise his full potential.