Orlando Pirates have unequivocally denied recent reports suggesting that their promising young attacker, Relebohile Mofokeng, is on the verge of a R120 million move to Dutch Eredivisie club PSV Eindhoven.
The Soweto giants have condemned the claims as “false, irresponsible and damaging,” emphasizing their commitment to protecting their players and maintaining focus ahead of the new season.
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Mofokeng’s Integral Role at Pirates
Relebohile Mofokeng, a 20-year-old talent who progressed through the Buccaneers’ reserve team, has swiftly become a cornerstone of the senior squad since his debut during the 2022/23 Betway Premiership season.
His impact has been undeniable; last season alone, the young attacker featured in an impressive 49 games across all competitions, showcasing his prowess by scoring 12 goals and providing 15 assists. These statistics highlight his crucial contribution to the team’s offensive efforts.
Club Slams “Sensationalism Over Truth”
Reports had circulated earlier this week, notably from SoccerLaduma.com, alleging that PSV Eindhoven had submitted a staggering R120 million offer for Mofokeng. However, Orlando Pirates quickly moved to quash these rumours with a strongly worded statement.
The club’s official communication read: “Orlando Pirates Football Club has taken note of the article published by SoccerLaduma.com on Tuesday, 16 July 2025, titled: R120m For Mofokeng? How PSV’s Linked To Pirates Sensation.”
The statement continued, asserting: “We wish to place it on record that no such offer has been received by the Club. The claims made in the article are not only false but also irresponsible and damaging.”
Pirates did not mince words when addressing the media outlet, stating: “As a publication with a long-standing history in South African football, Soccer Laduma is expected to uphold the highest standards of journalism rooted in fact, accuracy, and responsibility. Unfortunately, in this instance, they have chosen sensationalism over truth.”
Protecting Players and Maintaining Focus
The club further elaborated on the negative impact of such unverified reporting. “This type of reporting is not only misleading to the public but also serves as an unnecessary distraction aimed at unsettling both the player and the Club at a critical juncture in our preparations for the upcoming season,” the statement highlighted.
Orlando Pirates concluded by reaffirming their dedication to their players’ welfare and urging responsible journalism: “Orlando Pirates remains committed to the well-being of our players and will continue to act in their best interests. We call upon all media outlets to refrain from publishing unverified reports that seek to create instability for the sake of clicks.”
This firm stance by Orlando Pirates underscores their determination to protect their assets and ensure a focused and stable environment as they prepare for the challenges of the upcoming season.