Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has spoken out about the transfer speculation swirling around star player Relebohile Mofokeng, who is reportedly being targeted by Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq.
The rumours gained traction due to Mofokeng’s connection with his former teammate Mohau Nkota. The latter recently left the Buccaneers to join Al-Ettifaq. Mofokeng and Nkota were considered the future core of the Pirates’ squad before Nkota’s departure in July.
Mofokeng’s impressive rise to stardom since joining Pirates from the School of Excellence in 2022 has made him a fan favourite. He has already won back-to-back Betway Premiership Young Player of the Year awards and has been a key player for both Pirates and Bafana Bafana.
The young attacker has also previously attracted interest from several international clubs, including Spanish giants Barcelona, Scottish powerhouse Rangers FC and Dutch side PSV Eindhoven.
But despite the transfer rumours, Mofokeng played the full 90 minutes in Pirates’ opening game of the new 2025/26 season in the MTN8 quarter-final against Polokwane City FC on Saturday.
OUADDOU’S STANCE ON RELE MOFOKENG’S FUTURE AT PIRATES
While addressing the media at the Betway Premiership launch on Tueaday in Sandton, Pirates coach Ouaddou said that he is aware of the reports linking Mofokeng with a move away from Pirates.
He stated that he’s not surprised that a player of Mofokeng’s calibre is attracting interest from various clubs. The coach emphasised the 20-year-old’s importance to Bucs, especially as they aim to compete for trophies.
“I read the news as well,” Ouaddou stated. “A talented player like him will always attract interest from a lot of clubs, but I have faith in our board and the club. He’s one of our key players this season, and we need him to compete at the highest level. We need these kinds of players in our team.”
As much as Ouaddou remains hopeful that Mofokeng will stay at Pirates, he also understands the unpredictable nature of football transfers. “As a coach, I’m still confident we can keep him. You never know what can happen in football, but for now, I’m confident since I haven’t received any information about him leaving. I definitely hope he stays with us, but we will see.”
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