Pirates legend concedes Mofokeng absence felt
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Pirates legend concedes Mofokeng absence felt
Aug 16, 2026 – 08:07 am
By Thato Bosoga
Orlando Pirates legend Bruce Ramokadi has weighed-in on whether the club has done enough to replace Relebohile Mofokeng.
Pirates have not looked as threatening in front of goal as last season, with the gap left by the departure of Mofokeng, who was transferred to Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, clearly seen.
The Buccaneers have not changed their playing personnel much in their recent line-ups, in spite of making a number of new signings, with Patrick Maswanganyi assigned the number ten role which was played by the Sharpeville native attacker.
The Union SG forward had the honor of being named the best player for the 2025/26 campaign, after walking away with the Footballer of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season accolades.
Any team losing the Footballer of the Season is bound to feel his absence but did Pirates do enough to replace the 21-year-old, who scored 11 goals and had nine assists in all competitions?
Speaking to KickOff, Ramokadi argued that it’s not easy to replace a player such as Mofokeng almost straightaway.
“He (Mofokeng) was a key player, to be honest but unfortunately you can’t replace anyone and you don’t have to replace anyone you just have to add whoever is going to play to bring a different dimension,” Ramokadi said.
“Because you can’t play the same as last season, PSL clubs already know how you play, so you must change, as much as you sign new players every season, because you need change now and then.
“But for now it is evident that he carried a lot of creativity and he was the one who could pick up the spirit on the pitch and of the supporters also,” Ramokadi added.
There is a big anticipation from Pirates fans for Ouaddou to integrate new signing, Norwegian striker Sebastien Pedersen, with the hope that he can add needed firepower upfront.