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Orlando Pirates news: Mofokeng OUT, Striker IN

Orlando Pirates news: Mofokeng OUT, Striker IN

MLS side FC Cincinnati is the latest club to inquire about Orlando Pirates star Relebohile Mofokeng, further fuelling speculation of an offseason exit.
Mofokeng was arguably the Buccaneers' best player last season, producing several clutch moments across all competitions. The Soweto giants were in contention for four trophies heading into the latter part of the season but only walked away with their early season MTN8 Cup triumph.
The 20-year-old is crucial to the Orlando Pirates' future; however, it appears this chapter will be prematurely ending as several clubs line up for the Bafana youngster, a notion further fuelled by the player's father, who believes now is the time to flock South Africa.
'My biggest wish is to see Rele overseas in 2025/2026. I'm praying every day. I don't want to see him in the Betway Premiership again this season. I know God will answer my prayers,' Sechaba, Mofokeng's father, said.
'[Whether it's in] Spain, England, Netherlands, France, Denmark, Switzerland — Rele can play. I believe that with all my heart. Take him to Barcelona? He can play. PSG? He can play. Any country. I'll be happy — but not Saudi Arabia,' he added.
'Not yet. He's still young. He needs to compete in UEFA competitions. If he goes to Saudi now, he won't experience that. Yes, he'd be rich — but happiness is more important. You can have all the money in the world, but if you're not happy, it's worthless.'
Orlando Pirates are yet to comment on Mofokeng's future. Relebohile Mofokeng Image via Orlando Pirates
Meanwhile, long-term target Yanela Mbuthuma has reportedly put pen to paper on a five year deal with the Soweto giants. The 23-year-old bagged five league goals last campaign – Orlando Pirates will be hoping he can do at least double that next season.
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.

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