Teenage winger Rethabile Ramontoeli emerged as one of the star performers in the just-ended 2025 Pirates Cup, drawing up comparisons with Relebohile Mofokeng.
Once again, the Pirates Cup – won by Lerumo Lions [men] and Mamelodi Sundowns [ladies] – was a resounding success. For the Buccaneers, discovering the talent of the young player would be a silver lining, even in the absence of a trophy win. The teenage sensation has been snapped up by Orlando Pirates on a two-year deal. But who is the youngster?
WHO IS RETHABILE RAMONTOELI?
The 17-year-old, resembling the high-flying Mofokeng, shares versatility similar to the emerging Bafana Bafana star. He primarily plays as a winger but can also operate as an attacking midfielder.
Coincidentally, he was scouted by a former Pirates player, James Mothibi, in Bloemfontein and represented the James Mothibi Sports Development Academy.
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The teen’s father hails from Bloem, whereas his mother originates from Rustenburg. He lives with his family in Bloem. His exceptional abilities, attacking creativity, and poise with the ball significantly impacted Pirates’ scouts.
The Pirates Cup Men’s Under-21 title was claimed by Lerumo Lions, while Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies secured the women’s trophy. However, it was Orlando Pirates that captured attention by demonstrating their long-term vision through insightful recruitment.
“Rethabile was among the most exciting talents at the 2025 Pirates Cup,” a source said. “His rapid development highlights how serious Pirates are about their future.”
The Pirates Cup continues to serve as a vital platform for youth development in South Africa. Once again in 2025, high-quality football aligned with talent discovery, and Orlando Pirates emerged with a promising addition to their squad — a potential star in the making.