The 21-year-old forward has enjoyed an impressive start to the season after joining Belgian outfit Union Saint-Gilloise from Pirates, while also opening his Bafana Bafana goalscoring account with a brace against Eritrea in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier.
The Pyramids coach revealed that he first identified Mofokeng's talent while the youngster was still at the Transnet School of Excellence.
"Immediately I got on the phone to Shawn Bishop (then Sundowns Head of Academy) and I told him 'there is a number 10 you have to sign," Mokwena told the South African Football Journalists Association (SAFJA).
However, Pirates were also pursuing the talented attacker, who would eventually establish himself as one of the country's most exciting prospects at the Soweto giants.
Mokwena, who is a former Pirates and Sundowns coach, believes the environment at the Buccaneers was crucial to Mofokeng's development, allowing him to learn from experienced players and coaches before taking the next step in his career.
"He needed to have that capacity of coaches and club and mentorship that Pirates provides. He has become an incredible ambassador, not just for South African football but for Pirates too," he said.
The coach has also been impressed by how quickly Mofokeng has adapted to life in Belgium, suggesting that Union Saint-Gilloise have a clear plan to manage his transition.
"When I have watched some of his games I have not seen him play more than 60 minutes. There does seem to be some sort of progressive way of inducting Rele," Mokwena added.
He also questioned the suggestion that the forward needs to bulk up physically to succeed at the highest level.
"I am not a big believer that you have to be big and strong to be a top player," he explained.
Beyond Mofokeng's individual progress, Mokwena believes the forward can inspire South Africa's emerging talents and spearhead a new golden generation capable of winning the country's second AFCON title.
