Relebohile Mofokeng shines as Orlando Pirates dispose of Magesi FC at rebranded home

Orlando Pirates had a perfect start to life at the newly rebranded Orlando Amstel Arena as Relebohile Mofokeng reminded the masses why he’s dubbed the “Prince of South African Football”.

Pirates’ ideal start at the Amstel Arena came courtesy of an emphatic 2–0 win over Magesi in the Betway Premiership on Sunday night. While the win officially unveiled the venue in front of a sold-out crowd, it also intensified their league title aspirations as they returned to second on the log with three points, level with log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who have a superior goal difference.

For Magesi, this loss seemed to be another nail in the coffin as they remained at the foot of the log, with their chances of survival continuing to hang by a thread with every passing game. It was important for the Sea Robbers to find their sails here after being slightly disturbed in their tracks by Sekhukhune United following the goalless draw in the league’s restart a week ago.

Granted, the scoreline reflected a narrow 2-0 win, but, boy, Abdeslam Ouaddou’s boys were in cruise control from start to finish, only lacking the Midas touch in front of Elvis Chipezeze’s goal to truly suck the life out of the visitors.

The road to May might seem far, but it appears Pirates know they need their fans – and vice versa – to reach the promised land. They worked in sync here tonight, the Ghost cheering on their players even when they were offbeat and misfired shots or targets. The freedom of playing with the support of the 12th man rallies some and fuels others. Relebohile Mofokeng seemed to be running on a full tank, reminding everyone why he’s still the “Prince of South African football”.

Of course, it will take Mofokeng to safely steer the Sea Robbers to the crown to cement his status as the “Prince” – and earn the moniker that belongs to club legend Jomo Sono – but he was royalty here, waving his wand with magical feet. The Bafana Bafana winger didn’t take long to make his team and the Ghost in the stands sing, putting in a delightful cross which Yanela Mbuthuma controlled with ease before blasting his final effort, hard and low, past Chipezeze.

Mbuthuma, an epitome of hope and resilience who recently revealed he retired his grandmother when football began to change his family’s situation, repaid the faith shown in him by Ouaddou. He showed gratitude to club chairman Irvin Khoza by hoisting high a shirt printed “Happy Birthday” in his celebrations.

For Pirates to remain neck and neck with Sundowns in the title race, Mbuthuma knows he has to be consistent. He made a timid header that was saved by Chipezeze as Pirates lost a chance to extend their two-goal cushion.

But enter Mofokeng. The youngster took the fight back to Magesi – and Sundowns – drilling a hard, low shot past Chipezeze, creating a cacophony of noise around the arena that left the Ghost in raptures. Mofokeng can’t steer the Sea Robbers to the promised land alone, though. With Sipho Chaine keeping another clean sheet, and Makhehleni Makhaula ageing backwards – though still the older brother who does the dirty work so his younger siblings can shine – Pirates need to be more clinical up front.

Tshepang Moremi, who has also been a beacon of hope through tough times at Pirates, came close to adding his name to the scoresheet, but his curling effort was brilliantly tipped over the crossbar by Chipezeze.

With the transfer window having slammed shut on Thursday, Pirates will bank on Andre de Jong being a key piece of the puzzle, especially after making his cameo and home debut for the club to a standing ovation. His off-the-ball movement and ability to hold up play nearly paid off from the outset, with a loose ball falling kindly after his duel, only for Masindi Nemtajela to fire wide from the rebound when it actually looked easier to score into an empty net.

With some suggesting that the ancestors might be displeased with the changes to a stadium regarded as the spiritual home of South African supporters – due to technical issues during the unveiling this week – that notion seemed far from the truth as Pirates’ league aspirations, and a prince, were reborn.