SHARPEVILLE.-  Much has been said and written about Relebohile Mofokeng’s rise to stardom in South African football.

However, there was a man who discovered Mofokeng’s talent on the dusty streets of Sharpeville at a very young age.

Ladies and gentlemen, Moxolisi ‘Shambara’ Mqosini is the man who should be given credit for discovering this exceptional talent. Many people contributed to the development of this Sharpeville-born young star, but Mqosini was the first to discover his talent.

In fact, Mofokeng made headlines at a very young age playing for Celeb Youth Academy in Sharpeville.

Speaking to Sedibeng Ster Sport, Mqosini revealed how he discovered this exciting Orlando Pirates talent.

Mqosini said Mofokeng was nine years old, and he immediately saw potential in him. He told Sedibeng Ster Sport that the first time he saw Mofokeng, he knew the boy was the future of South African football.

“Rele was recommended to me by his cousin, and I said, bring him. He was something else. He was one of the best youngsters to come from Sharpeville. The School of Excellence saw him when we played against them. I still remember they beat us 4-1 on that day. After the game, they invited five of our players for assessment, and Rele was one of them. He was 12 years old when he joined the School of Excellence from Celeb Youth Academy. I’m very proud of him and the player that he is today.”

“I must say, I knew he was going to be a star, and he never disappointed me. I used to tell him to express his God-given talent because he was the best at dribbling.  As Celeb Youth Academy, I wish him the best of luck in the upcoming Soweto Derby, and we will be out to support him,” said Mqosini.