So, Orlando Pirates turned down a reported R35 million offer from MLS side Minnesota United for Relebohile Mofokeng.
A former player believes the decision could be guided by the club’s goal to win the Betway Premiership title.
According to Innocent Chikoya, the 20-year-old winger is too valuable an asset for Orlando Pirates right now.
RELEBOHILE MOFOKENG STAYS IN THE BETWAY PREMIERSHIP
Relebohile Mofokeng, a key figure in the club’s five trophies in three seasons:
- MTN8 2022
- Nedbank Cup 2022
- MTN8 2023
- Nedbank Cup 2023
- MTN8 2024
With Mofokeng such a key attacker in Orlando Pirates’ recent cup titles, Chikoya feels the youngster could be the difference in chasing the league crown this season.
2026 FIFA World Cup with Bafana Bafana
“The good thing is that there will be a World Cup in America, which I think will raise his profile,” Chikoya said. “We just want him to develop as a football player and as a person.
“To be honest, I thought Orlando Pirates would hold on to him and aim to win the league since he has already helped them secure several cups.
Rejected R35 million offer
“R35 million is a substantial amount for Orlando Pirates, but I don’t believe the club will focus solely on financial gain; their priority is to build the young man’s profile. I think they wouldn’t block his opportunity just because of money,” Chikoya added.
ORLANDO PIRATES STAR KAMOGELO SEBELEBELE AIMS AT MTN8 GOLD
Orlando Pirates winger Kamogelo Sebelebele is dreaming big. With the MTN8 final coming, the Tembisa-born star has a gold medal in mind.
Orlando Pirates winger Kamogelo Sebelebele has already set his sights on lifting silverware after producing another standout performance in the MTN8 semi-final.
The 23-year-old scored again as the Buccaneers fought back from a goal down to draw 1-1 with Mamelodi Sundowns in Tshwane, before sealing a 4-1 victory in the penalty shootout.
That goal marked Sebelebele’s third strike in three consecutive matches for Orlando Pirates, with two Man of the Match awards in the same run.
“I want to start off by thanking God for the opportunity, for the talent and the coach for trusting me and giving me the opportunity to play for Orlando Pirates,” the former TS Galaxy forward said.
“This game wasn’t easy. We started slow. We didn’t execute the plan the way we had planned.
“But half-time we spoke in the changeroom and also the guys who got off the bench helped us with the energy. All-round, we’re a team whether it’s on or off the pitch. We need everyone,” he added.
“I’m looking forward to the final. My second final professionally. And I need a gold medal obviously,” the Orlando Pirates makeshift right-back added.
“We’re going to make the fans happy as they come in numbers. We always have to make them happy.”
Meanwhile, the MTN8 final is set for the Mbombela Stadium on 13 September. Orlando Pirates will face Stellies after they beat Sekhuekhune United 3-1 on aggregate to reach a second consecutive Wafa Wafa final.
The two sides met in the 2024 final where the Buccaneers snatched a 3-1 victory.
WILL STELLENBOSCH FC CLAIM REVENGE OVER ORLANDO PIRATES IN THIS YEAR’S FINAL?
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