Botswana international forward Tumisang Orebonye will remain at Wydad Casablanca for the time being after a proposed loan move to Botola Pro rivals Olympic Safi collapsed at the eleventh hour. The deal, which would have seen the 29-year-old attacker join Safi until the end of the current campaign, reportedly fell through due to a failure to reach an agreement on the financial structure of the transfer.
Despite advanced talks between the two clubs, the stalemate ensures Orebonye stays put in Casablanca as the mid-season window enters its final stages. The collapse of the Orebonye deal comes amid several exits for the Moroccan giants.
Wydad have recently sanctioned the departures of key figures, including South African playmaker Thembinkosi Lorch and Burkinabé star Stephane Aziz Ki, both of whom have completed moves to Libyan side Al Ittihad. With the squad thinning, it remains to be seen whether Wydad management will still look to offload Orebonye on loan or reintegrate him into the first-team setup to provide much-needed depth.
OREBONYE A VITAL COG FOR BOTSWANA NATIONAL TEAM
Orebonye is no stranger to the Moroccan topflight or the wider North African football landscape. His career trajectory over the last 18 months has been a whirlwind. Orebonye played under Nasreddine Nabi at AS FAR Rabat, establishing himself as a physical presence in the capital.
He departed Rabat midway through last season for a lucrative stint at Al Ittihad in Libya. In a dramatic deadline-day move, he returned to the Botola Pro to join the Red Castle.
Despite the uncertainty at the club level, Orebonye remains a vital cog for the Botswana national team. With over 45 caps for the Zebras, his experience is highly valued, and his next move will be closely watched by national team selectors.
As the transfer window remains open, several clubs are reportedly monitoring the situation. Given his history with Olympique Khouribga and his proven track record in the league, a domestic move cannot be ruled out if Wydad decides to re-enter negotiations with interested parties.
For now, the striker remains a Wydad player, waiting to see if his immediate future lies at the Red Castle or elsewhere in the region.
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