Former Orlando Pirates star Tokelo Rantie. Image: Backpagepix
What REALLY happened to former Pirates striker Tokelo Rantie?
Tokelo Rantie had the pace, power, and finishing accuracy but off-the-field issues hamper his football career.
Former Orlando Pirates star Tokelo Rantie. Image: Backpagepix
On 30 October 2011, Tokelo Rantie scored a winner in the last two minutes of the match to give Orlando Pirates a 2-1 victory over Jomo Cosmos at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
That goal not only introduced Rantie to Pirates fans but also steered the Buccaneers back into the PSL title challenge which they eventually won that season.
After his winning goal against Cosmos, Rantie, who was on loan, went on to become one of Pirates’ key players that season helping them to complete their second successive treble. Unfortunately, the Sea Robbers couldn’t retain his services permanently after that memorable season, and he returned to Stars of Africa Academy.
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During his time at Pirates, the 32-year-old formed a formidable partnership with ex-Porto striker Benni McCarthy which saw them score 17 goals combined in the league. His form earned him his first-ever Bafana Bafana call-up in June 2012 where he scored on his debut against Gabon.
Rantie had what it took to be one of SA’s great soccer players
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Later that year, Rantie was loaned to Swedish side Malmo scoring five goals in 17 appearances before the club decided to sign him on a permanent deal. Halfway into his second season, the former Pirates fan favourite was snatched by Bournemouth for a fee of around £2.5 million.
Between 2013 and 2016, Rantie played his best football for both club and country. At his peak, he was rated amongst the top 10-15 best finishers in the continent due to his big-game temperament. One of his highlights in the national team colours was his goal against Nigeria in 2017 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
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That goal earned him his nickname “Nigerian slayer” after helping Bafana earn their first-ever victory over the Super Eagles in a competitive match.
Following his move away from the Premier League, Rantie joined Turkish side Gençlerbirliği but after two seasons, the striker left the club.
Tokelo never fulfilled his potential
He made a surprise return to South Africa ahead of the 2018/19 PSL season and reunited with ex-teammate McCarthy at Cape Town City. Unfortunately, their reunion was short-lived as the striker’s contract was terminated before playing a single game. McCarthy, who was his coach then cited personal reasons.
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For almost two years, Rantie sat without a club until before Pitso Mosimane gave the “Nigerian slayer” a second chance. Mamelodi Sundowns took a huge gamble on the forgotten Bafana hero and despite impressing Jingles during his trial, Rantie’s personal problems interfered with his football.
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Mosimane’s gamble didn’t pay off and Rantie was released three months later.
In 2020, he was given another lifeline when he signed a contract with Marumo Gallants. He played 10 games that season but was later released.
For Bafana, Rantie scored 12 goals in 40 matches and at one point, it looked like he would pass McCarthy’s record of 31 goals. He had the pace, skill, and eye for goal to make a success not just only in South Africa but in Europe as well. He left Turkey looking for a fresh start but since his return in 2018, Rantie’s personal issues overshadowed his football.
