Relebohile Mofokeng got a house from Orlando Pirates boss Irvin Khoza after winning a personal bet linked to the league title. The 21-year-old attacker had made a deal with the chairman, and the reward became his once Pirates secured the Betway Premiership crown.
But this wasn't a bet with no risk. Mofokeng stood to lose R200,000 if the Buccaneers failed to win the league. On the other side, Khoza had agreed to buy him a home of his choice if the club took the title.
The details came from Mofokeng's dad, Sechaba, during an appearance on the second season of Giants. He confirmed that Khoza kept his promise and gave his son the prize.
There's also a personal side to the deal. Khoza and Mofokeng are said to have built a close bond during the player's spell at the Soweto club, with their ties often seen as similar to those of a father and son.
As for the football, Mofokeng did his part. He scored 10 goals and set up eight more as Pirates claimed the league crown after a long spell without it. Quite a return for a player who had money riding on the result.
His form also brought him a major personal award. At 21, he picked up the PSL Player of the Season honor, adding another achievement to his growing career.
And his story didn't stop in South Africa. Mofokeng later joined Belgian club Royale Union Saint-Gilloise in a big-money transfer, taking his career to Europe.
The move has gone well thus far. He has five goals and four assists for his new side, giving fans an early look at how he is settling into Belgian football.
Bafana Bafana have also gained from his progress. Mofokeng has become a key player for the national side, with his club form helping raise his profile.
For a young footballer, that's quite a run of rewards. A league medal, a major player award, a move abroad, and a house from the club chairman, all tied to a season that changed his career.
But this wasn't a bet with no risk. Mofokeng stood to lose R200,000 if the Buccaneers failed to win the league. On the other side, Khoza had agreed to buy him a home of his choice if the club took the title.
The details came from Mofokeng's dad, Sechaba, during an appearance on the second season of Giants. He confirmed that Khoza kept his promise and gave his son the prize.
There's also a personal side to the deal. Khoza and Mofokeng are said to have built a close bond during the player's spell at the Soweto club, with their ties often seen as similar to those of a father and son.
As for the football, Mofokeng did his part. He scored 10 goals and set up eight more as Pirates claimed the league crown after a long spell without it. Quite a return for a player who had money riding on the result.
His form also brought him a major personal award. At 21, he picked up the PSL Player of the Season honor, adding another achievement to his growing career.
And his story didn't stop in South Africa. Mofokeng later joined Belgian club Royale Union Saint-Gilloise in a big-money transfer, taking his career to Europe.
The move has gone well thus far. He has five goals and four assists for his new side, giving fans an early look at how he is settling into Belgian football.
Bafana Bafana have also gained from his progress. Mofokeng has become a key player for the national side, with his club form helping raise his profile.
For a young footballer, that's quite a run of rewards. A league medal, a major player award, a move abroad, and a house from the club chairman, all tied to a season that changed his career.
