Former Orlando Pirates standout and current Bafana Bafana international Relebohile Mofokeng has been officially named the 2026 Men’s Footballer of the Year by the South African Football Journalists Association (SAFJA).

The 22-year-old winger earned the prestigious accolade following a remarkable 2025/26 campaign with the Buccaneers, during which he tallied 11 goals and nine assists in 36 appearances.

His dominant domestic showing played a pivotal role in securing a domestic treble for the Soweto giants before sealing a high-profile overseas transfer to Belgian Pro League club Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.

Dominating the ballot across Mzansi

Mofokeng secured the coveted SAFJA award by emerging at the top of a highly competitive shortlist featuring top South African talent including Teboho Mokoena, Oswin Appollis, and Lebone Seema.

The journalists’ recognition caps off an extraordinary sweep of individual accolades for the young star, adding to his earlier triumph at the Premier Soccer League (PSL) Awards where he claimed the PSL Footballer of the Season, Players’ Player of the Season, and Betway Premiership Young Player of the Season awards.

Sports journalists and football analysts from prominent media platforms across the country consistently note that Mofokeng’s rapid rise represents a masterclass in modern player development. His seamless transition from dominating local grounds to taking on European football highlights the strength of South African talent pipelines on the global stage.

🚨BREAKING: Relebohile Mofokeng is the 2026 SAFJA Men’s Footballer of the Year! ⚽️🔥🏆

Well done, President! 👏🏼

#AirMobile #PSL #AbsaFootballFridays https://t.co/cyqiPxvRe2

— SoccerBeat (@SoccerBeatZA) November 9, 2026

Celebrating excellence across women’s football and sports media

The annual SAFJA honours also celebrated exceptional contributions across women’s football and sports journalism. TS Galaxy Queens star Leandra Smeda was named Women’s Footballer of the Year for her stellar performances on the pitch.

In the media categories, Media24’s Njabulo Ngidi took home both the overall Journalist of the Year and Written Journalist of the Year awards, while SuperSport’s Mpho Maboi was awarded Broadcast Journalist of the Year. Sporty TV’s Kamogelo Motecwane earned Young Journalist of the Year honours, and Backpage Media’s Sydney Mahlangu received the Photojournalist of the Year award.

Organisations such as the South African Football Association (SAFA) and the Premier Soccer League continue to applaud SAFJA for fostering accountability, media excellence, and national recognition for domestic athletes.

Mofokeng’s crowning achievement serves as an inspiring blueprint for young South African footballers aspiring to make their mark both locally and abroad.

Featured image: Instagram/@relebohile_ratomo_15