By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro has confirmed that Relebohile Mofokeng is on trial with English Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Mofokeng, 18, has enjoyed an impressive rise in the last 12 months after joining the Orlando Pirates youth set-up before quickly progressing into the first team.
He has also won five caps for South Africa’s under-20s and scored twice.
Mofokeng scored and assisted in just his second senior appearance for Pirates and played 11 games for Riveiro’s side, six of which were starts, and the youngster has caught the interest of clubs around Europe.
“He’s in the UK, he’s having a trial period with Wolves,” said Riveiro during the press conference ahead of Carling Knockout Cup opener against Cape Town Spurs.
“Maybe here (in South Africa), it looks like it’s early at 18, but not for me. If you follow the current situation in Europe, (signings aged) 18, 19, 17, 20 is really frequent in the top teams. To get your first minutes in the first team.
“About Rele I’m absolutely convinced that he’s ready for whatever is coming,” he added.
If he impresses and earns himself a contract at Wolves, Mofokeng will become the second South African to play for a Premier League club this season after Burnley’s Lyle Foster.
But since he is contracted to Pirates, he would only be able to join Wolves during the January transfer window.
Pirates take on Spurs in the Round of 16 of the Carling Knockout Cup at Orlando Stadium on Friday (19:30).