Naledi Hlongwane Credits Pirates’ Relebohile Mofokeng for Inspiring His Chiefs Ambitions

Kaizer Chiefs starlet Naledi Hlongwane has revealed the pivotal influence of Orlando Pirates’ rising talent Relebohile Mofokeng on his own development and first-team ambitions. Hlongwane, who spearheaded Chiefs’ DStv Diski Challenge title-winning campaign last season, is set to take part in the club’s upcoming UK tour, facing Manchester United, Leeds United, and Queens Park Rangers’ U21 side.

The 20-year-old striker, the Reserves’ top scorer, was part of Chiefs’ pre-season camp in the Netherlands and is regarded as a key prospect for the senior team. Despite limited first-team minutes in the opening months of the season, Hlongwane is drawing motivation from Mofokeng’s rapid rise at Pirates.

“I would say it’s Relebohile Mofokeng who inspires me, because we used to play together in primary,” Hlongwane told journalists ahead of the team’s departure to London. “We grew up together, playing like…he was in another primary, and I was in another one. So, we were rivals. I could say he’s the one who made me push myself because I was like, ‘This guy, we were playing together, and now he is in the first team of Pirates, playing regularly.’”

Hlongwane added that witnessing Mofokeng’s journey has driven him to push his limits and aim for a breakthrough at Chiefs. “He’s the one who made me push myself to want to also play for Kaizer Chiefs first team,” he said. The shared history of competition and mutual struggle has given Hlongwane a benchmark for professional growth and consistency.

The pair also featured together in last year’s Carling All-Star team that defeated Carling Knockout champions Magesi FC 3-1, with Hlongwane scoring a brace on the day. That experience reinforced his confidence and showcased his ability to perform in high-stakes matches.

As Chiefs’ Reserves prepare for their 11-day UK tour, Hlongwane is expected to gain invaluable exposure against elite youth sides from the English leagues. The matches against Manchester United, Leeds United, and QPR U21 will test his readiness and help him build momentum for a potential first-team role.

Hlongwane’s admiration for Mofokeng highlights the impact of early rivalries and peer success on shaping young talents. The striker is determined to translate inspiration into results, aiming to follow a similar trajectory and secure his place among Kaizer Chiefs’ senior squad in the months ahead.