Orlando Pirates reportedly rejected a multi-million bid for Relebohile Mofokeng from Egyptian giants Zamalek last week.
The Egyptian transfer window closed on February 8 and according to Soccer Laduma, Zamalek made a $1.4 million (R25.8 million) deadline day offer to Pirates for Mofokeng but the Buccaneers rejected it.
It is not certain if the offer was rejected for not meeting Pirates’ valuation of the player or if the Soweto giants turned it down for sporting reasons but the outlet reports that the club values the 20-year-old at $2 million (R37 million).
Zamalek were keen to add Rele to their attack as they challenge on multiple fronts, given they are third on the Egyptian Premier league log, just three points away from leaders Al Ahly, while they also qualified for the CAF Confederation Cup quarter-final.
Why did Pirates reject Zamalek’s bid?
However, Pirates also have ambitions of their own and would not like to lose one of their key men midway through the season and that could have informed their decision to reject the move.
Jose Riveiro’s men are challenging for the PSL title and are also in the CAF Champions League quarter-final and Mofokeng is among players they would not like to lose at this point.
The Sharpeville native has scored eight goals and provided 11 assists in 29 games and those are not numbers Pirates can replace easily, especially with Zamalek’s interest coming after the PSL transfer window is shut.
It is not also known if a move to North Africa appeals to Mofokeng who will attract interest from Europe at the end of the season.
