Ouaddou reacts to Mofokeng’s transfer speculations & the number 10 role

Relebohile Mofokeng was still given a chance to feature for Orlando Pirates against Stellenbosch despite the uncertainty surrounding his future.

Prior to the fixture, there were speculations that the Major League Soccer outfit Minnesota United had already initiated talks with the Sea Robbers about the youngster. It is claimed they are ready to pay up to R35 million for the services of the 20-year-old.

The Buccaneers went on to claim a 1-0 win courtesy of Kamogelo Sebelebele's beautiful rocket from outside the 18-yard area. Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has since justified playing the Bafana Bafana international in the number 10 role, as well as reacting to the possible exit of the club's academy graduate.

‘I hope Mofokeng remains at Pirates'

“I’m sorry about that question [of Mofokeng], [on Wednesday] I was only focused on the game of Stellenbosch, I didn’t have time to look or read in the media. What I know is, Rele is with us, he did well, it means he is with us, and I hope he [remains] with us,” the former Morocco international told the media.

“I cannot say that I see him in the future in that position [10], as a coach, you have to analyse the profile of the players that you have, analyse the connection between them, what can work, what cannot work.

“I thought he had a good connection with [Oswin] Appollis and Sebelebele, maybe we can see him again in that role, but he can still play wide; but he’s a profile of a player that we need to give freedom.

“Very technically intelligent, clever, you cannot limit him. He needs freedom,” Ouaddou concluded.