'Don't send our boy to a war zone' – Moeneeb Josephs slams Rele Mofokeng's possible Israel move
Image: BackpagePix
Former Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Moeneeb Josephs has urged Relebohile Mofokeng not to entertain any offers from Israeli clubs as the demand for the youngster grows.
Two weeks ago, it was reported that Israeli clubs Maccabi Tel Aviv and Maccabi Haifa had reached out to Orlando Pirates with the view of making an offer for the 20-year-old sensation. As a result, they were reportedly given a price of around R31 million to get the deal done.
But Josephs, who spent five years at Pirates and also played at the 2010 World Cup in the country, has voiced his concerns about Mofokeng moving to Israel.
'We want the best for our players, and if they move on, they must move on to something better,' Josephs, currently the goalkeeper coach of the Kenya national team, said on the SoccerBeat podcast.
Get your news on the go, click
here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Next
Stay
Close ✕
Ad Loading
'Yes, abroad is where everything is happening, but (Israel) that's not abroad. That's more backwards.'
He went on to pour cold water on the claim that the move would be good for Mofokeng as the club plays in Europe.
'Don't tell me about the Champions League, these teams that are chasing him are Maccabi Haifa and Tel Aviv, those are the whipping boys of the Champions League,' he continued.
'Rele (Mofokeng) is a star, and stars go to the big leagues. These agents mustn't be greedy because of money and say, 'he is going overseas.' No, there's a difference overseas.
'Don't tell me about Champions League football, (we want) Champions League football where we are going to see our boy shine.
'We want to see our boy in the Bundesligas of the world. We want (him) to play those teams, not knowing that tonight Rele is playing against Real Madrid and they are going to get a hiding,' he said.
'It's difficult to come to a game if you are going to go to those two teams in Israel. You are dodging bombs on your way there. How are you going to focus on the game? It's hard.
'So, send our boy to a safe zone. Send our boy to a place where he can grow.
'That's where we want him to go, and if he doesn't go, we will hold on to him here with no problem, and he is still very young.'
IOL Sport
Get your news on the go, click
here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
4 hours ago
- The South African
Orlando Pirates news: Radiopane and Ndoro
Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has explained why he continues to back under-fire striker Boitumelo Radiopane despite growing criticism from fans. The 21-year-old has already featured three times this season across the MTN8 and Betway Premiership but is still waiting for his first goal. His latest appearance came in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 semi-final first leg at Orlando Stadium, where he came off the bench and fluffed a late chance to win the game. 'These kinds of players, I think, it's easy for a coach because he has a fantastic mentality…Full story here. Orlando Pirates Football Club is in mourning following the passing of former striker Tendai Ndoro, who played for the Buccaneers between 2015 and 2017. Following his death at the age of 40 on Monday, the Buccaneers have extended their deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who loved him. Born in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, Ndoro rose to prominence at Chicken Inn before moving to South Africa with Mpumalanga Black Aces in 2013. His talent soon caught the eye of Orlando Pirates, where he became a fan favourite for his electrifying pace and knack for crucial goals…Full story here. 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
6 hours ago
- The South African
Orlando Pirates receive R35 million bid for Relebohile Mofokeng
Orlando Pirates star Relebohile Mofokeng celebrates a goal against Mamelodi Sundowns in the Betway Premiership. Image: Goal Orlando Pirates are now in the spotlight after MLS outfit Minnesota United reportedly submitted a $2-million (around R35 million) bid for Relebohile Mofokeng. The 20-year-old winger has impressed in the Betway Premiership, catching the eyes of scouts abroad with 12 goals and 15 assists last season. Will the Buccaneers accept the bid? ADVERTISEMENT ORLANDO PIRATES STAR RELEBOHILE MOFOKENG TO MINNESOTA UNITED? Orlando Pirates coach backs young striker Relebohile Mofokeng in action for Orlando Pirates in the Betway Premiership. Image: BackpagePix 'Minnesota United submit bid north of $2m for South Africa int'l winger Relebohile Mofokeng to Orlando Pirates. Talks ongoing,' MLS insider Tom Bogert reported. 'Mofokeng, 20, big talent breaking through for club and country. Would be U-22 initiative. MNUFC long-time admirers of Mofokeng,' Bogert added. Kaizer Chiefs coach involved from Tunisia It's not yet clear how Orlando Pirates will respond to the offer, but if Mofokeng were to make the move, it would be a huge step for the winger and a significant moment for the Soweto giants' transfer dealings. SHOULD THE BUCCANEERS ACCEPT THE OFFER? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 ADVERTISEMENT Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
6 hours ago
- The South African
Orlando Pirates coach backs young striker
Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has explained why he continues to back under-fire striker Boitumelo Radiopane despite growing criticism from fans. The 21-year-old has already featured three times this season across the MTN8 and Betway Premiership but is still waiting for his first goal. His latest appearance came in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 semi-final first leg at Orlando Stadium, where he came off the bench and fluffed a late chance to win the game. Kaizer Chiefs coach involved from Tunisia 'These kinds of players, I think, it's easy for a coach because he has a fantastic mentality. He's a well-educated player and a man, respectful,' said Ouaddou. Orlando Pirates forward Boitumelo Radiopane Image via @OrlandoPirates on X 'He is a worker. So, I'm lucky to have such players to train, and he's a professional. It means when we call him for duty, he doesn't have any problem sitting on the bench and coming back to give everything. Kaizer Chiefs star accepts criticism 'And all my players, I'm really, really lucky about all the players that I have in Orlando Pirates. They have a fantastic mentality. It's one of the first dressing rooms that I have seen with such a great mentality of the players,' the French-Moroccan coach concluded. 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.
