Orlando Pirates News Today: Third parties warned in Mbokazi chase, transfer updates & more

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Orlando Pirates News Today: Third parties warned in Mbokazi chase, transfer updates & more

Latest Orlando Pirates news in the last 24 hours, including Mbekezeli Mbokazi suitors urged to avoid third parties, how Relebohile Mofokeng can break into top leagues abroad, replacement at Bucs and more.

Mbokazi’s agent adamant Chicago Fire are willing to sell Mbokazi

Mbokazi Mbekezeli’s agent, Basia Michaels, has urged clubs to contact her directly rather than going through third parties when pursuing the Chicago Fire defender, claiming that in most cases these parties don’t have the player’s interest at heart.

Michaels also confirmed that Chicago Fire are open to selling the player, stressing that third parties often do not have the player’s best interests at heart.

Mbekezeli Mbokazi shields the ball during South Africa's World Cup match against Canada.
Mbekezeli Mbokazi shields the ball during South Africa’s World Cup match against Canada. Photo: Imago

“I can comfortably tell you that Chicago Fire are currently engaging myself and a couple of other people that pertains to a transaction that could be done because they are willing to sell the player.”

How Mofokeng can break into top leagues in Europe

Former SAFA Technical Director Walter Steenbok has opened up on what it would take for Relebohile Mofokeng to break into the top leagues in Europe after he was signed by Belgian side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.

Union SG confirmed the signing of Mofokeng on Thursday, on a four-year contract, after the 21-year-old capped off a treble-winning season with Orlando Pirates with appearances for Bafana Bafana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Relebohile Mofokeng - Image: Royale Union Saint-Gilloise
Relebohile Mofokeng – Image: Royale Union Saint-Gilloise

Steenbok, has suggested, however, that the physicality of the Belgian league could just be what Mofokeng needs to reach the requirements at the highest level.

“At his age, he is going to develop in a league that is demanding and also allows him to get more game-time. The intensity and the speed that is required at international level is different. So that league allows his development pathway to be nourished in the right way,” Steenbok said on Radio 2000s Game On.

“I’m certain that in the next two, three seasons or the next four years, he will be able to break into one of the top five leagues in Europe, we need a talent like that to be able to progress. It’s an excellent move for him.

“Not really in terms of being big but there are certain physiological and anatomical aspects that they need to work on.

“For example, the core muscles have to be a little bit stronger, for him to be able to adapt to the speed of the game, the weather conditions and the climate, because the game is a little bit faster there and also to be able to play in a team where sometimes they won’t have the ball, that will also help him to develop his area of playing without the ball,” Steenbok concluded.

Pirates urged to go for Rele replacement after missing out on Ndlovu

Former Orlando Pirates striker Andries Sebola tells Soccer Laduma that he’s confident that the club can find a replacement for Relebohile Mofokeng after Siyanda Ndlovu moved to Mamelodi Sundowns.

“I’m happy for Rele, and it is a big loss for Pirates,” says Sebola.

“But good for him, for his career. He was actually supposed to leave before the likes of Mohau Nkota. Lots of good players have left Pirates. Nkota left, and it was okay. (Mbekezeli) Mbokazi left, and it was okay. It was the same with Monnapule Saleng. Those were very good players for the club, but they were replaced, and the team still won three cups last season,” argues Sebola.

“I was happy when I heard Siyanda Ndlovu was coming in. I saw him as Mofokeng’s replacement, but he’s gone to Sundowns. But I have no doubt they can find a replacement in the DDC (DStv Diski Challenge), or whoever they sign, I’m sure it would be someone who can step in. So I’m not worried.

Siyanda Ndlovu has joined Mamelodi Sundowns.
Siyanda Ndlovu has joined Mamelodi Sundowns.

“Even though it will take some time for Pirates to gel like the way they were gelling together, I’m confident the team will be fine,” he concluded.

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

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Willis Sob is a sports betting expert and journalist covering Nigeria and South Africa, with 16 years of experience. With a background in journalism, reporting and programme production, he specialises in football odds, and his work has appeared on OK Africa and GOAL, as well as TV, radio and podcasts.

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