The search for the next Relebohile Mofokeng! Orlando Pirates avoid defending champions during draw as Mamelodi Sundowns seek glory

The fixtures for the Pirates Cup have been revealed following a draw conducted in Melrose Arch on Saturday.

Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro was in attendance at the event that also saw over 60 coaches participate. Bucs legends Lucky Lekgwathi, Teboho Moloi, and Phumudzo Manenzhe were also among the participants.

Pirates, the hosts, were drawn in Group A, and other members of the pool are Young Pirates, Invitational Eleven, and North-West University.

The University of Johannesburg (UJ), who are the defending champions, are in Group C.  They will face The Citizens, Ebenezer Academy, and Brits Soccer Academy.

Last year’s runners-up Amahle, Tembisa Destroyers, Lerumo Lions, and James Mothibi Academy are in Group E, while TS Galaxy, Meadowlands Academy, River Park, and The Immortals Football Academy are in Group G.

University of Pretoria, Wits University, JVW FC, and University of Limpopo are in Group A in the women's category.

Group B has Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, Winhoek City SC, eMalahleni Ladies LFA, and University of Johannesburg.

This tournament is known for producing very promising youngsters.

Notably, Pirates' Relebohile Mofokeng is a product of this process. He was named Player of the Tournament as a School of Excellence player in 2022, before he was signed by the Soweto giants.

Apart from shining for the Premier Soccer League side, Mofokeng has also been part of the Bafana Bafana set-up. He was on the score sheet when South Africa defeated Lesotho in a March World Cup qualifier.

The Pirates Cup action is set to be played on April 18. The matches will be played at two venues: Wits Marks Park and Sturrock Park.

After four days of highly anticipated action, the champions will emerge, with the men's winners taking home R100,000, while the women’s champions will pocket R50,000.