SHARPEVILLE.- The Orlando Pirates darling Relebohile Mofokeng’s mother, Naomi, can be credited for her contribution to the success of her son.

Long before Mofokeng made headlines in South African football, his mother knew her son would be a superstar. When she ran up and down the touchline, it was as if she knew that one day, her son would be a household name in South African football.

She used to be the only woman/mother at the dusty Sharpeville soccer grounds, eagerly watching Rele play. This journalist still has a fond memory of Rele’s mother running up and down, cheering the young Rele. It was a Saturday afternoon at George Thabe Stadium, where Rele’s amateur team, Celeb Youth Academy, played in the Community Games.

The tournament was organised by former Bafana Bafana dreadlocked midfielder, Augustine Makalakalane, in conjunction with the Gauteng Department of Sports and Recreation in Sedibeng. Some of the teams that featured in that tournament were Sharpeville, Benfica, and Nale Academy, among the notable development teams. Rele featured in the Celeb Youth Academy U13 division.

Sedibeng Ster Sport can recall, as if it happened yesterday, that his team was crowned the tournament’s champions after beating their bitter rivals, Nale Academy, in the finals. He was named the Player of the Tournament.

Rele’s mother never missed his games, and she was always there to watch her son. She has been his number one supporter. She must also be credited for the success of the Relebohile Mofokeng Foundation launch. Rele’s mother is the most celebrated soccer player’s mom, either featuring on television or on social media platforms.

For example, before Orlando Pirates and Durban City’s Betway Premiership match on Saturday, she said she would be happy to see her son take the Player of the Season and Golden Boot Awards.