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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<ul><li>Sono wants Mofokeng to be protected</li><li>The young star is now a Bafana player</li><li>He is regarded as a player for future in SA</li></ul><a href=" https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vae4thkJZg4CmvuUtR3C" target="_blank">CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHATSAPP CHANNEL!</a><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script>

Sono insists Orlando Pirates' 'highly talented' youngster Mofokeng needs to be protected - 'He's got a bright future'

Orlando Pirates and South Africa legend Jomo Sono has made a plea to SA football fanatics and coaches concerning rising star Relebohile Mofokeng.&nbsp;The 19-year-old starlet<a href="https://www.goal.com/en-za/lists/themba-zwane-s-replacement-has-been-found-what-relebohile-mofokeng-did-to-uganda-players-is-disrespectful-orlando-pirates-stars-must-start-ahead-of-mamelodi-sundowns-players-against-south-sudan-fans/blt1dd1ab972f868d17" target="_blank"> continues to be the talk of the town </a>as he keeps improving his football career at Pirates and the national team.&nbsp;Speaking during the unveiling of Jomo Cosmos' new sponsorship, Lucas Batteries, Sono insisted Mofokeng should be groomed properly.&nbsp;

WHAT HAPPENED?

"To be honest, he (Mofokeng) is highly talented, he needs to be protected," Sono said as per <a href="https://x.com/BraMahlatse/status/1832386517827797166" target="_blank">Prime Sports with Mahlatse Mphahlele</a>."I think the coach at Orlando Pirates did a good job (against Cape Town City in the MTN8 match) when he pulled him off because the kid was starting to struggle."When a kid like him starts to struggle, you take him out, that is how to protect and build him so that next game he comes in. (Thami) Mkhize was physically a bit stronger for him," he added.&nbsp;"Even though he scored, it was a bit difficult for him. After scoring that goal, he could not pass through him, he was shoving him all over the place, and he was tackling him. But he has got a bright future and he needs to be protected."

WHAT WAS SAID

Mofokeng has become an important member of Jose Riveiro's side since joining the team from the club's reserve side in 2022-23 Premier Soccer League chairman.&nbsp;The Transnet School of Excellence product has two caps for Bafana Bafana so far. He made his debut against Zimbabwe in June during the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers.&nbsp;Moreover, Rele, as the young player is affectionately known, came off the bench in the Bafana entertaining<a href="https://www.goal.com/en-za/lists/bafana-bafana-battle-back-to-deny-uganda-in-their-opening-2025-africa-cup-of-nations-qualifier/bltcb932993ce87aabd" target="_blank"> 2-2 draw against Uganda </a>on Friday at the Orlando Stadium.&nbsp;

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Mofokeng will be hoping to start when Bafana Bafana face South Sudan in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Tuesday, September 10.&nbsp;The Sharpeville-born star could become one of the best players South Africa has ever produced - should he face no disturbance in his journey.

WHAT NEXT?

Sono insists Orlando Pirates' 'highly talented' youngster Mofokeng needs to be protected - 'He's got a bright future' | Goal.com

Jomo Cosmos owner has offered some advice to Bucs mentor Jose Riveiro and Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos regarding the young Mofokeng. 