Relebohile Mofokeng Emerges as Orlando Pirates’ Next Big Goal-Scoring Hope After Tshegofatso Mabasa Exit

Orlando Pirates face a shifting attacking story after the departure of former striker Tshegofatso Mabasa, who left the club while still chasing the all-time scoring record held by Benedict “Tso” Vilakazi. Mabasa ended his Pirates journey with 50 goals, a strong return that still left him nine goals short of Vilakazi’s record of 58. His exit in 2026, after a loan spell at Stellenbosch, closed a chapter that once looked like it could rewrite club history. Despite his efforts and steady rise through the scoring ranks, limited game time in his final season slowed his push. The Buccaneers now turn to a new generation of forwards to carry that ambition forward. Attention has quickly shifted to who can continue the pursuit of club history.

Among the current squad, Relebohile Mofokeng stands out as the player most likely to carry that goal-scoring responsibility into the future. The 21-year-old forward delivered his strongest season yet in 2025/26, scoring 11 goals across all competitions and taking his overall tally to 29 goals for Orlando Pirates. His rise has been steady since his promotion to the senior team, with each season showing clear improvement in output and confidence in front of goal. That consistency has placed him closer to the club’s top ten all-time scorers list, a significant milestone for a player still early in his career. His development is being closely watched as Pirates plan for continuity in attack. The club now sees him as a long-term scoring option if he maintains his upward trajectory.

Mofokeng’s current position on the scoring ladder places him within reach of several notable club names. He needs six more goals to move past both Thembinkosi Lorch and Kermit Erasmus, who are tied on 34 goals each and currently sit around ninth and tenth place in the all-time rankings. That gap is considered achievable if he continues his recent scoring form and secures regular minutes in the first team. Beyond that mark, the competition becomes tighter as several club legends sit just a few goals apart. Steve Lekoelea is on 36 goals, Sibusiso Zuma sits on 37, and Andries Sebola holds 38, forming a compact group that defines the lower half of the top scoring bracket. Each goal at this level carries added significance as records begin to tighten.

The broader context shows how difficult it is to climb the Orlando Pirates scoring chart. The club’s top scorers list is shaped by consistency over multiple seasons, injuries, transfers and squad rotation. Mabasa’s own journey reflects this challenge, as he climbed past Lesley Manyathela and Phumlani Mkhize, both previously tied on 41 goals, before eventually settling at 50. His departure while still in contention highlights how quickly career paths can change in professional football. For younger players like Mofokeng, maintaining form across seasons becomes just as important as short-term scoring runs. The pressure increases with every goal as expectations grow from both supporters and club management.

Pirates now enter a phase where their attacking future depends on how effectively they develop and retain emerging talent. Mofokeng represents that direction, combining youth, technical ability and growing confidence in front of goal. His progress will determine whether he can eventually challenge higher positions on the club’s historic scoring list. While Vilakazi’s record of 58 goals remains the benchmark, the focus for now is incremental movement through the top ten. Each season offers a chance to close the gap and build a stronger legacy within the squad. His next campaign will be closely followed as a test of consistency and ambition.

The departure of Mabasa and the rise of Mofokeng mark a transition phase for Orlando Pirates’ attacking unit. One chapter closed just before a historic milestone, while another is beginning with new potential and expectations. The challenge ahead lies in turning promise into sustained output over multiple seasons. If Mofokeng maintains his scoring rhythm and remains at the club, he could become a central figure in future record discussions. For now, his position on 29 goals signals progress, but also a clear target ahead. The next steps will define whether he becomes a club regular scorer or a future record challenger.