Orlando Pirates Set to Face Polokwane Without Key Player Relebohile Mofokeng
Orlando Pirates have confirmed the potential absence of star attacker Relebohile Mofokeng for their upcoming Betway Premiership match against Polokwane City at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday.
Mofokeng incurred an injury during Pirates’ 1-0 victory over Siwelele in the Carling Knockout Round of 16, where Mbekezeli Mbokazi netted the late winner earlier this month.
The 20-year-old winger was substituted in the 62nd minute, making way for Kamogelo Sebelebele.
Following the injury, Mofokeng was withdrawn from Bafana Bafana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying squad for matches against Zimbabwe and Rwanda earlier this month.
Despite his absence, national coach Hugo Broos praised Mofokeng's talent, as South Africa still managed to secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a convincing 3-0 victory over Rwanda at Mbombela Stadium last Tuesday.
In addition to Mofokeng, Pirates will also miss defenders Tapelo Xoki and Deano van Rooyen for the midweek fixture. Van Rooyen has been sidelined for the last eight matches across all competitions, including a 3-0 defeat to St. Eloi Lupopo in the CAF Champions League second preliminary round first leg this past weekend.
Xoki, who has yet to feature this season, has been out since a car accident in August, which also involved goalkeeper coach Tyron Damonds and head coach Abdelsam Ouaddou.
The statement from Pirates noted, “They could still be without attacking midfielder Relebohile Mofokeng, who sat out the trip to West Africa, along with Deano van Rooyen and Tapelo Xoki, both of whom have faced recent injuries.”
Heading into the fixture, Pirates are currently third on the Betway Premiership table, accumulating 15 points from seven matches, and sitting six points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who have played three additional games.
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