Latest news with #RelebohileMofokeng
The South African
3 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates can replace Mofokeng says Vilakazi
Orlando Pirates supporters have begun to feel excited for Relebohile Mofokeng's anticipated move abroad, and Benedict Vilakazi feels no different. The 20-year-old from Sharpville had another quality season for Orlando Pirates with 12 goals and 15 assists in 49 games, earning recognition as one of South Africa's most promising young talents. His dynamic performances in the Betway Premiership since his promotion in May 2023 have attracted several European clubs. Among the suitors are Rangers in Scotland, Wolverhampton Wanderers in England and Saudi Arabia's Al-Ettifaq. Time and TV channel: Kaizer Chiefs vs Asante Kotoko Orlando Pirates star Relebohile Mofokeng against Cape Town City FC in the Betway Premiership. Image: Sowetan 'Sometimes it's good to keep players but you don't have to keep them in a manner that they end up losing their value themselves, they always say too much of a thing is not good, it turns to be sour,' Vilakazi said as quoted by Soccer Laduma . Orlando Pirates news: 11 players signed, 11 gone 'I remember (Steve) Komphela used to say, 'When you've got milk in the fridge for a long period, it turns sour, does it mean you don't use it? That sourness becomes inkomazi (fermented milk), you won't pour it in a tea but you'll use it in pap, you'll still benefit'. 'It will give Orlando Pirates an open eye to say, 'we did find Mofokeng, we have an eye for quality players, we found Nkota, here is (Mbekezeli) Mbokazi, it shows they do have an eye. It says go back again Orlando Pirates, you can release 'president' and find somebody else, do what you do best, so it doesn't make us to say 'Oh Mofokeng is gone, it's gonna take us ten years (to replace him)'. No, it's not gonna take us ten years,' the Orlando Pirates all-time leading goal-scorer added. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
3 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Latest talk: Orlando Pirates and Relebohile Mofokeng move
Relebohile Mofokeng has continued to attract interest from clubs in Europe after 12 goals and 15 assists in 49 games last season. His dynamic performances in the Betway Premiership since his promotion in May 2023 have attracted several European clubs. Among the suitors are Rangers in Scotland, Wolverhampton Wanderers in England and Saudi Arabia's Al-Ettifaq. According to Steve Lekeolea, the anticipated move abroad will require careful coordination between the player and Orlando Pirates management. ADVERTISEMENT STEVE LEKOELEA ON RELEBOHILE MOFOKENG'S POTENTIAL MOVE Orlando Pirates can replace Mofokeng says Vilakazi Orlando Pirates superstar Relebohile Mofokeng in the Betway Premiership Soweto derby against Kaizer Chiefs. Image: IOL 'It's a decision that will ultimately be made by Irvin Khoza and the club regarding whether they will allow him to play overseas,' said Lekoelea via Kick Off. 'Personally, I believe Rele wants to move abroad, especially since his friend Mohau Nkota has already signed with an overseas team. Time and TV channel: Kaizer Chiefs vs Asante Kotoko 'However, he's hesitant to push for a move because he doesn't want to damage his relationship with Orlando Pirates. I don't think he wants to burn any bridges. 'He understands the significance of Pirates as a major club, and they are committed to handling matters professionally. Before any deal is settled with interested teams, they want to ensure that both the club and Rele are satisfied. That's my opinion. 'We can claim that he is ready for overseas play, but the reality is that it always depends on a player's mental and physical fitness. The atmosphere abroad is quite different from that of local leagues. ADVERTISEMENT 'However, I believe in his talent; he is a good player. If given at least four games to adjust, overseas teams will truly see the best of him. I am confident that a wise decision will be made for the boy's future,' the Orlando Pirates legend concluded. DO YOU AGREE WITH THE ORLANDO PIRATES LEGEND? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
4 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Global interest grows in Rele Mofokeng as Pyramids FC join race for Orlando Pirates star
In demand CAF Champions League winners Pyramids FC have joined the race to sign Orlando Pirates starlet Relebohile Mofokeng, Photo: Itumeleng English/Independent Media Image: Itumeleng English/Independent Media After missing out on Lucas Ribeiro, African champions Pyramids FC have now set their sights on Orlando Pirates starlet Relebohile Mofokeng. After the Brazilian's impressive performance at the recently completed FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, a number of clubs have been interested in his services and have approached Mamelodi Sundowns. However, Sundowns are said to have no intention of letting their star man go and have rebuffed all offers for him so far. As a result, attention has turned to Mofokeng, who has also attracted interest from a number of clubs from around the world of late. Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. It was also reported that Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven were weighing up their options, but this too has since been dismissed by Pirates as untrue. Two weeks ago, Bafana Bafana legend Benni McCarthy, currently the head coach of the Kenya national team, urged Mofokeng to move to Europe in order to keep growing as a footballer. 'I've watched him several times, and I think he's got huge potential. He's got the mentality and football intelligence of players from my generation,' McCarthy said when answering IOL Sport's question. 'He's generations ahead of the current crop of players. I think he's got what it takes to make it in Europe. I would encourage him to find a way to play in Europe. South Africa, yes, it has some of the best players in Africa, but Africa is a small continent in football terms. 'When you play in Europe, you get the chance to play against the biggest and the best. It's you against the world.' With growing interest from top leagues, Mofokeng's future appears destined to unfold beyond South African shores. IOL Sport Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
The South African
4 days ago
- Automotive
- The South African
Orlando Pirates news: Commercial win and transfer setback
Orlando Pirates' emphatic offseason just got better. Suzuki, the Japanese car manufacturer, has officially partnered with the Soweto giants as their new vehicle sponsor. 'A new chapter starts here,' Suzuki announced. 'From the streets to the stadium, we move as one.' This agreement strengthens Pirates' already formidable sponsor portfolio, which includes big names like Adidas, Aquelle, Vodacom and Carling Black Label. While the Suzuki announcement is a commercial boost, one of Pirates' long-standing targets, Fawaaz Basadien, appears set for a move to Mamelodi Sundowns. After missing training yesterday, speculation has intensified around his potential exit. In addition, concerns continue around the future of one of the club's brightest young prospects, Relebohile Mofokeng. With several foreign clubs circling, his father, Sechaba, has made no secret of his desire to see him leave the local league for Europe. 'I know God will answer my prayers,' he said. 'Take him to Barcelona? He can play. PSG? He can play. Any country — but not Saudi Arabia. Not yet.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
5 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
The PROS and CONS of Relebohile Mofokeng staying for another season
Before the end of last season, Orlando Pirates star Relebohile Mofokeng was already tipped for a move to Europe. With just over a week until the MTN8 competition resumes, the 20-year-old is still with the Buccaneers. He recently toured with the team to Spain for their pre-season training, where he scored two goals in four matches. With eyes on him this transfer period, it was his teammate Mohau Nkota who left the club to join Saudi side Ettifaq. There were rumours that Relebohile Mofokeng could join his former teammate, but nothing has yet materialised. The speedy winger had a good season with Pirates and even earned a few caps for Bafana Bafana in the process. The Pros If Rele stays another season, he can always leave in January. With Bafana Bafana set to play in the Africa Cup of Nations, the youngster will have a chance to showcase his potential. A good Afcon will attract interest from top teams in Europe, making him not only South Africa's biggest player but Africa's valuable star. Another six months can shape him as a better player and increase his price tag from R30 to R100 million. A European move is still on the cards, and if he maintains his form, he will play in the top five leagues, no doubt. The Cons At this moment, Mofokeng is enjoying his football and is eager to leave. If he stays, he might feel demotivated and with Oswin Appollis playing in his position, he will likely switch to the right. Having played mostly on the left, a new role might not suit him well. Another thing that can derail him is injury. Relebohile Mofokeng has never suffered a serious injury but if that happens, he might miss the Afcon and that could have an effect on him. His season could be disrupted by him failing to move, injury, playing out of position etc. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
