How Mohau Nkota's move to Middle East 'psychologically affected Orlando Pirates winger Relebohile Mofokeng' - 'He is not himself'

Relebohile Mofokeng has been delivering consistently for Orlando Pirates since breaking through the ranks late in the 2022/23 season.

For the last two years, he has been the main man at the club under coach Jose Riveiro, who left at the end of the 2024/25 edition for a new challenge with Al Ahly of Egypt. 

During the Spaniard's three-year tenure, Mohau Nkota and Mbekezeli Mbokazi are among the players who emerged, adding value to the Sea Robbers.   

Mofokeng has been linked to some top teams in Africa and Europe for more than a year now, but no deal has materialised for the South Africa international. 

However, Mofokeng, who made his debut for the senior Bucs team just last season, made a move to the Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ettifaq.

According to former Kaizer Chiefs winger Junior Khanye, Mofokeng's slow start to the 2025/26 season, where he has failed to deliver as usual in the MTN8 game against Polokwane City and the 1-0 loss to Sekhukhune United, is because Nkota's move has negatively impacted him. 

“I think the fact that Nkota arrived and left [overseas] after his first season has affected him [Rele],” he said as quoted by iDiski Times.

“I’m a human; I’m black. I know other people will say, ‘the player is getting paid very well’, but for me, I know I’ve been a footballer before, it has affected the boy. They can say whatever they want. 

“Whoever say what, it’s not easy for him to accept that [Nkota is overseas]. 

“This boy was the face of Orlando Pirates as a youngster figure, so for another boy to arrive who was maybe second best to him, and then leave, it has affected him psychologically.

“He’s not himself," Khanye concluded.

Well, the transfer window is not yet closed, and Mofokeng can still leave the Bucaneers for a bigger team abroad. 

Nevertheless, at 20 years of age, Mofokeng has many years ahead; all he should do is stay focused and continue doing his job on the pitch.