Today’s Orlando Pirates news wrap involves Rele Mofokeng rumours, a milestone for Mbekezeli Mbokazi and a walk down memory lane.
Clubs around the globe continue to watch Mofokeng’s stunning rise.
Meanwhile, speaking of stunning rises, Mbokazi turns 20 today.
Mbokazi is a future Orlando Pirates and Bafana legend
5 March 2025 might go down as a big day in the history of the club. 19-year-old Mbekezeli Mbokazi made his Orlando Pirates debut, and we might look back on that as a huge watershed moment. Fast-forward to 2025-2026, and the man who turns 20 today is captaining Orlando Pirates in the absence of Nkosinathi Sibisi. He’s earned another big gong. He’s also already clocked up 28 matches for the Sea Robbers, including some clutch goals and assists.

Remember Mbulelo Mabizela?
Mbulelo ‘Oldjohn’ Mabizela was a cultured, sublimely gifted central defender who never really fulfilled his immense potential as a footballer. 45 caps for Bafana Bafana isn’t an awful tally, but it could have been more. He only won a solitary piece of major silverware, the Norwegian title with Valerenga in 2005. And yet, we all remember his playing career so fondly because football fans know good players when they see them. He always courted controversy, but that’s not what discussions around Mbulelo Mabizela always have to cover.
Mokoena signs pro terms with Pirates
Mohau Nkota has left Orlando Pirates and headed to Saudi Arabia. That means there’s space in the first team for a youngster to step up. Could Neo Mokoena be that man?
Where does Mofokeng’s future lie after Orlando Pirates?
Relebohile Mofokeng was a standout performer last season. However, the 20-year-old has so far battled to replicate that form in 2025-2025 after the departure of Mohau Nkota and persistent rumours linking Mofokeng with an exit. When will Pirates cash in on their prized asset?