Abdeslam Ouaddou is hopeful that Orlando Pirates will retain Relebohile Mofokeng for the season, despite ongoing speculation about transfers to overseas clubs.
The 20-year-old made his senior team debut in the 2022/23 season during a 2-1 win against Royal AM. He has become an important part of the team’s setup, helping them lift two MTN8 and one Nedbank Cup trophies.
His noteworthy performances have secured him a place on the national team, where he has now participated in nine matches. Among his honours, he has received the Betway Premiership Young Player of the Season award and the MTN8 Last Man Standing accolade for the 2024/25 season, among many others.
Ouaddou admitted that he is aware of the youngster’s transfer speculation and is hopeful that the club will manage to retain his services.
“I read this news as well, such a talent, of course it attracts a lot of clubs, but I trust my board, I trust the club because definitely he’s one of our major player this season and we need him to go to compete in the highest level,” Ouaddou said to the media at the Betway Premiership launch.
The Moroccan coach admitted that they need Mofokeng in order to compete for trophies this season. Pirates last won the league title when they pulled a double during the 2010/11 and 2011/12 seasons. They have managed to finish in the second place for the past three seasons.
“We need this kind of players in our team. As a coach I’m still confident but in football you never know what will happen.
“But still now I’m still confident (that he will stay) since I didn’t receive any information, but I hope he will stay with us.”
Mofokeng is rumoured to be on the radar of Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq, which recently signed former Orlando Pirates winger Mohau Nkota and teams from Israel.