Orlando Pirates Unearth Rising Star at 2025 Pirates Cup

The 2025 Pirates Cup delivered a weekend of high-octane youth football and unforgettable moments, and while Orlando Pirates didn’t walk away with the trophy, they claimed a far greater prize – the discovery of a future star.

Seventeen-year-old Rethabile Ramontoeli stole the show during the Easter tournament and has now been rewarded with a professional contract, officially joining the Soweto giants on a two-year deal. His performances were so electric that some have already started comparing him to Pirates sensation Relebohile Mofokeng.

“There is an exciting player who has been signed by Orlando Pirates, and soon people will be talking about him,” a club insider told the Siya crew. “His name is Rethabile Ramontoeli and he plays as a winger and as an attacking midfielder. He is the next Relebohile Mofokeng, that one – I promise you.”

Ramontoeli dazzled spectators and scouts alike while representing the James Mothibi Sports Development Academy, with his silky skills, creativity in the final third, and fearlessness on the ball making him a standout across the tournament.

“Rethabile was one of the most exciting talents at the 2025 Pirates Cup. He was scouted by James Mothibi, a former Pirates player himself, in Bloemfontein. Since then, he’s made remarkable progress in a short space of time,” the source added.

The Pirates Cup has long been a breeding ground for raw talent, and this year’s edition further cemented its status as a critical part of South Africa’s football development pipeline.

While Ramontoeli’s signing was a major highlight for the hosts, the tournament delivered excitement across the board. Lerumo Lions clinched the Men’s Under-21 title with a gritty performance, while Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies proved their class yet again by lifting the Women’s Pirates Cup trophy.

Orlando Pirates’ ability to spot and sign potential stars like Ramontoeli is a testament to the club’s investment in youth and their focus on building a sustainable future.

As the 2025 Pirates Cup fades into memory, it leaves behind a legacy of opportunity, growth, and inspiration. And with Ramontoeli now part of the Buccaneers’ fold, the future looks just a little brighter – not just for Pirates, but for South African football as a whole.