“SHE SPOKE IT INTO EXISTENCE”: RELEBOHILE MOFOKENG’S MOTHER NEVER STOPPED BELIEVING IN HER SON

Long before Relebohile Mofokeng became one of South Africa’s most exciting young footballers, his mother already believed there was something special about him.

While she was pregnant with Rele, she would feel him kicking so strongly that she would joke with her friends at school that her unborn child was going to become a soccer star. Years later, whenever she meets those same friends, they remind her of those words: “You said it.”

And she did.

Rele’s journey was never walked alone. His mother was there from the beginning — buying him football boots, attending his matches, encouraging him and constantly reminding him to believe in himself. While his father, having experienced the disappointments of football as a player himself, became less passionate about the game, Rele’s mother continued to carry the dream.

She prayed. She believed. She supported.

When Sundowns showed interest in Rele, his mother was reportedly not convinced that it was the right move. Having seen the journeys of other young players she knew and the challenges they experienced, she wanted something different for her son. She continued searching and supporting him until the opportunity at the School of Excellence came.

Then Orlando Pirates came calling — and the rest became history.

One of the most powerful moments came when Pirates faced Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup. Before Rele even entered the field, his mother told supporters that her son was going to score.

He eventually got onto the pitch and found the back of the net.

For his mother, it was another moment where belief became reality. The emotions were overwhelming, and she recalls seeing supporters in tears.

Rele’s story is bigger than football. It is a reminder of the power of encouragement, prayer and positive words from parents.

Sometimes, children face battles they never talk about. Sometimes, the biggest obstacle is not their ability, but the negative words spoken over them by the people they expect to believe in them.

But Rele had a mother who spoke life into his future before he was even born.

She believed then. She believes now. And she continues to pray for him.

So the question remains:

If a mother has believed in her son since before he was born, what is going to stop Relebohile Mofokeng now?