Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has responded to the transfer speculation surrounding winger Relebohile Mofokeng.
Mofokeng’s future at Pirates is uncertain following multiple reports that he is on the radar of teams abroad with Saudi club Al-Ettifaq, which recently signed his ex-team-mate Mohau Nkota as well as sides in the MLS and Israel credited with an interest.
There was also a report that Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven placed a bid of over R100 million for him although Pirates moved quickly to deny the claim but that has not stopped speculation linking Mofokeng away from Orlando Stadium.
While attending the Betway Premiership launch on Tuesday, Ouaddou was asked what he makes of the winger’s situation and his response was that of a man whose hands are tied but one hoping to have his best player around.
What has Pirates said over Mofokeng?
“Such a talented player will attract a lot of clubs but I trust my board and I trust my club because definitely, it is one of our major players this season and we need him to go to compete at the highest level we need these kinds of players in our team,” Ouaddou told iDiski Times.
However, the former Marumo Gallants coach is keeping his fingers crossed that Rele can stay so that he can fire his team to glory next season and beyond.
“As a coach, I am still confident but you never know in football what happens but until now, I am still confident since I have not received any information but I hope he will stay with us and definitely we will see,” he added.
Mofokeng has emerged as one of South Africa’s best players and was Pirates’ top scorer last season with 12 goals while adding 15 assists which earned him a second successive PSL Young Player of the Year Award.
