2024 lookback: Bafana Bafana's Afcon revival, Ronwen Williams on world stage, Relebohile Mofokeng's journey & Jose Riveiro's magic at Orlando Pirates

Relebohile Mofokeng has quickly become one of South Africa's brightest young stars, lighting up the local football scene since his debut. Recently, he earned his first-ever Man of the Match award, playing a pivotal role in Pirates' 1-0 victory over Magesi last time out. Yet, it was the unforgettable atmosphere in Bloemfontein, when Bafana coach Broos handed him his debut against Zimbabwe. The 20-year-old's entrance onto the pitch was met with loud cheers, and his beaming smile radiated confidence, a fearless aura that captivated fans and hinted at the promise he holds.

South African football has long struggled to find its rhythm on the continental stage, but under Broos, Bafana have begun to show signs of dominance. After leading the team to a third-place finish at the most recent Africa Cup of Nations, Broos has firmly placed his stamp on the squad. His unconventional methods, including initial doubts about his selection of certain players — such as Themba Zwane, who went on to become a key figure — have paid off. Broos’ no-nonsense approach has breathed new life into the national team, who now look poised to reclaim their rightful place among Africa's elite.

Mofokeng’s talent is undeniable, which is why the young star caught the eye of English Premier League side Wolverhampton and is now believed to be on the radar of Spanish giants Barcelona. Though there’s been no official word from Catalonia, it seems increasingly likely that Mofokeng’s days in the PSL are numbered. Whether or not Barcelona becomes his next destination, one thing is certain: this young star is destined for greater heights.

When the conversation turns to African football, it’s impossible not to mention Ronwen Williams, as his Grassroots to Greatness story speaks for itself. The Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper made history at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations by becoming the first goalkeeper ever to save four penalties in a single shootout, securing victory over Cape Verde. His heroics earned him a spot as a nominee for the prestigious Yashin Award, where he was ranked as the ninth-best goalkeeper in the world. Williams’ incredible form also saw him scoop up both the Caf Interclub Footballer of the Year and Goalkeeper of the Year awards, cementing his reputation as one of the continent’s finest.

The arrival of Jose Riveiro in South Africa was met with skepticism, with critics quick to label him a "plumber" — a football term for someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing. But the Spanish tactician has silenced his doubters in spectacular fashion. In his third season with Pirates, he bagged his fifth title by guiding the team to victory in the MTN8, defeating Stellenbosch in October. Riveiro has also steered Pirates to second place in the PSL, just behind the formidable Sundowns, who they hope to overtake in this long marathon. Under his leadership, Pirates even recorded their biggest-ever league win, an astonishing 8-1 triumph over Marumo Gallants.

Mamelodi Sundowns, a club known for their stability, have experienced a rare high turnover of coaches in recent years. Under Pitso Mosimane, they enjoyed the longest-serving coach in the league, with the legendary tactician leading the club from 2012 to 2020. Following Mosimane’s departure, Sundowns appointed Rhulani Mokwena and Manqoba Mngqithi as co-head coaches, but after Mngqithi’s demotion and Mokwena’s eventual firing, the club is now under the guidance of new head coach Miguel Cardoso. It remains to be seen how long he will last.

Who could forget Magesi's unforgettable triumph in the Carling Knockout final, where they stunned Sundowns to claim their first major trophy just months after joining the top-flight? The significance of this victory is immense, as other teams like Chippa United, Polokwane City, and Sekhukhune United — who’ve been in the Premier Division longer — have yet to taste similar success. Magesi's achievement proves that in football, anything can happen, and underdogs can rise to the occasion.

Mokwena shocked many when he declared his admiration for veteran mentor Ernst Middendorp, saying he would like to work alongside him one day. This was when Mokwena was at the peak of his powers at Sundowns while Middendorp was in a relegation squabble with Cape Town Spurs. Whether it was a jab at his counterpart or a genuine desire - you will decide. This is what Mokwena said: "It is still one of my dreams to be Ernst Middendorp’s assistant. Really, it is one of my dreams. I phone him a lot, he knows, I phone him a lot. I just talk to him. Just to talk to him because I like him, how he thinks and how he sees things. And since he came back from Thailand, you know he had that stint in Thailand [the former Chiefs coach worked as a Technical Director at Bangkok United from 2017 to 2018.] His way of seeing things is just amazing. And it is still one of my dreams, I must tell you. To be his assistant coach. I hope he considers me as a colleague, I really, really do admire him. A lot, so much."

Mokwena has since made a big move to North Africa where mentors Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca.

After spending about two seasons as the strikers' coach at Manchester United, Benni McCarthy walked away from the Theatre of Dreams, much to the shock of many. The South African football darling lived his dream of coaching at one of the biggest and most popular clubs in the world. He is now unemployed and has been on a media tour in Mzansi. While he has said he is under no pressure to make his next move, McCarthy has been linked with a move to Kenya where he is said to be the front runner to become the next Harambee Stars mentor. Whether those rumours are watertight or not, only time will tell.

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