Orlando Pirates News Today: R18.7m price for wonderkid, Chiefs legend approves Rele’s transfer & more

Orlando Pirates news, covering a Kaizer Chiefs legend’s endorsement of Relebohile Mofokeng’s European move, a R18.7 million price for a teen sensation and more.

Khune hails Mofokeng’s Belgian move

Former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune has come out firmly in support of Relebohile Mofokeng’s transfer from Orlando Pirates to Belgian Pro League champions Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.

Khune highlighted the strategic advantage of the Belgian club’s ownership structure and European proximity to top scouts, pointing to the Brighton and Hove Albion connection as a significant factor in Mofokeng’s career trajectory.

Khune noted that Mofokeng is already attracting interest from Napoli in Italy, adding that European exposure — regardless of the size of the league — is enough to put a player in the shop window for clubs willing to spend enormous sums.

“So, it’s a good move; we don’t have to look at the club and the history, but just have to be happy that players are getting opportunities in Europe, and obviously when you are in Europe you are surrounded by those big teams,” the Kaizer Chiefs legend told Soccer Laduma.

Orlando Price given R18.7 million price tag for teenager

The search for Mofokeng’s successor at Orlando Pirates is proving costly. The Buccaneers have enquired about signing Cape Town City wonderkid Emile Witbooi, but the Citizens have stood firm on their €1 million (R18.7 million) valuation of the teenager, bringing negotiations to a standstill.

Witbooi has since returned to training with Cape Town City while both clubs weigh up their next move.

🔴 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: Orlando Pirates made their first – enquired to Cape Town City about kid sensation Emile Witbooi – #CTC asking price is between R18M and R20M – No talks yet. #iDiskiTimes

Full story 🔗 https://t.co/CdNHT10onf | #TransferNews 🗞️ pic.twitter.com/JczHpxjNwc

— Sinethemba Makonco (@Makonco_M) July 9, 2026

The teenager’s credentials explain the hefty asking price. Born on 28 August 2008 in Kimberley, Witbooi made history on 2 March 2025 when he debuted against AmaZulu FC at just 16 years, six months and five days — becoming the youngest player to represent Cape Town City’s first team and the ninth-youngest debutant in South African top-flight history.

His rapid rise earned him a trial with Chelsea FC and a management deal with Roc Nation Sports, and his outstanding 2025/26 campaign in the Motsepe Foundation Championship after Cape Town City’s relegation saw him nominated for both Young Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season at the 2026 PSL Awards.