Maswanganyi tips ex-Pirates teammate Mofokeng for a big future
Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Patrick Maswanganyi has praised Relebohile Mofokeng and jokingly urged him to sign for Arsenal, iDiski Times reported.
Patrick Maswanganyi has spoken warmly about his former Orlando Pirates teammate Relebohile Mofokeng, saying the young attacker is headed for something special, according to iDiski Times.
Maswanganyi, who is known as Tito, shared his views in an interview with the South African Football Journalists Association (SAFJA) on Monday.
Two Pirates teammates now playing abroad
The pair shared a dressing room at Orlando Pirates from 2023 until 2026, a spell of three seasons. Last season they were part of the squad that won a domestic treble, which included the Betway Premiership title.
Both players have since left South Africa this term. Maswanganyi now plays for Al Khalidiyah in the Bahrain Premier League, while Mofokeng has joined Belgian side Royale Union SG, where he has reportedly already made a good impression. Mofokeng has also been named Footballer of the Year by SAFJA for 2026.
What Tito said about Rele
Maswanganyi explained that Mofokeng was already part of the first team when he arrived at Pirates, having played matches before then. He described playing alongside the youngster as “very amazing” and said he always enjoyed watching him with the ball at his feet.
He also pointed to Mofokeng’s work in training and what he has achieved so far, calling it a big accomplishment for someone so young. In Maswanganyi’s view, the winger is modest, ready to take advice and clear about what to do in possession.
Looking ahead, Maswanganyi said he believes Mofokeng is “going to be something big for South Africa” and that Belgium is a suitable place for him at this stage of his career.
The Arsenal joke
Maswanganyi then added a lighter note. Arsenal are his favourite English club, and he said he has told Mofokeng not to join any other team. “We need him at Arsenal,” he said.
There is no suggestion in the interview that any move is planned. The remark was a friendly one from a former teammate, and the source does not mention any link between Mofokeng and the English club.
For now, the two former Pirates players are focused on their new clubs in Bahrain and Belgium. Supporters back home can follow how both get on, particularly Mofokeng, who is already attracting plenty of praise at a young age.
This story is based on reporting by iDiski Times.
