Bennett Chenene Hails Relebohile Mofokeng for Uniting Vaal Talent at 1st Annual Soccer Tournament
Former Orlando Pirates star Bennett Chenene, who also turned out for AmaZulu FC, Moroka Swallows, Bloemfontein Celtic, SuperSport United, and Bafana Bafana, returned to his roots this past weekend to support the rising generation of footballers in the Vaal.
On Saturday, 28 June 2025, Chenene was among the special guests at the 1st Annual Soccer Tournament hosted by the Relebohile Mofokeng Foundation in Sharpville, his hometown. The tournament, organised by the young Orlando Pirates sensation Relebohile Mofokeng, left Chenene both proud and inspired.
“I honestly didn’t expect this level of maturity from Relebohile at such a young age,” Chenene shared during his interview with Ngcobo2010 Sharp Eye. “To already have a foundation and give back to the community like this? It’s unbelievable. I couldn’t be prouder.”
Chenene, who now works as an ambassador for the Zodwa Khoza Foundation and serves as a scout for Orlando Pirates’ development structures, also praised Mofokeng’s rapid rise through the Pirates ranks.
“I was a bit concerned when I heard he was promoted to the senior team and I thought maybe it was too soon. But he’s proven me wrong in the best way. He’s playing with confidence and making all of us from the Vaal proud. The world knows who he is now.”
Chenene also encouraged aspiring footballers to chase their dreams, offering his assistance to young talents seeking professional.
“Players ready to take their game further can reach out to me; let’s make it happen.” said Chenene sharing his contact with us: 076 378 7429
Beaming with pride, Chenene highlighted how the tournament brought local talent together. “Relebohile has united the Vaal stars; all of us from here are beaming. It’s the entire Vaal’s achievement,” he declared.
On Pirates’ New Signings & Coach
Reflecting on the Pirates’ recent recruitment strategy, Chenene praised the club’s emphasis on youth development:
“The club is doing right by bringing in young talent and investing in their growth. We met the new players at the Zodwa Khoza Centre in Soweto, motivated them and shared our experiences.”
Regarding the new coach, Abdeslam Ouaddou, Chenene emphasized stability:
“Changing coaches puts pressure on the newcomer. I wished Pirates gave Mandla Ncikazi a three‑to‑six‑month trial first. But I respect Ouaddou’s experience. He must pick up where José left off, not overhaul the system.”
🔗 Watch the Full Interview
Check out the full chat between Ngcobo2010 Sharp Eye and Bennett Chenene on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKxGWRmgqIY
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