Magesi FC head coach Owen Da Gama had high praise for Orlando Pirates’ dynamic young duo, Relebohile Mofokeng and Mohau Nkota, following a tightly contested 1-1 draw between the two sides on Wednesday. Despite his team holding their own against the Soweto giants, Da Gama was full of admiration for the impact the two youngsters had on the game.
The match, which saw both teams share the spoils, was a tale of two halves, with moments of brilliance coming from Pirates’ youthful talents. Mofokeng, already hailed as one of South Africa’s most promising prospects, was instrumental in linking play and creating attacking chances, while Nkota continued to build his reputation with yet another lively display down the flanks.
Speaking after the match, Da Gama did not hold back in his assessment.
“Those boys, Mofokeng and Nkota — they’re special. You can see the quality they bring to Pirates. Their energy, decision-making, and confidence on the ball at such a young age is impressive,” he said. “They’re not just talented, they’re playing with maturity beyond their years.”
Da Gama, a respected figure in South African football with a long track record of identifying and mentoring young talent, went on to say that the pair could play a major role in the future of Bafana Bafana if nurtured properly.
“South African football has a bright future if we continue to groom players like these. Credit to Orlando Pirates for giving them a platform,” he added.
Relebohile Mofokeng has had a standout season for the Buccaneers, regularly starting and contributing with goals and assists. Mohau Nkota, meanwhile, has been steadily earning more minutes and making the most of them, showing great awareness and attacking instinct.
The draw was a solid result for Magesi FC, who managed to contain Pirates for large portions of the match, but Da Gama made it clear that the performances of the Pirates youngsters left a lasting impression.
As the season winds down, all eyes will be on how Mofokeng and Nkota continue their development under coach Jose Riveiro — and whether their rise can help propel Pirates to more success both domestically and in continental competition.
With praise coming from an experienced coach like Owen Da Gama, the message is clear: South African football is witnessing the emergence of two future stars in black and white.
