Polokwane City coach Phuti Mohafe has put the brakes on transfer gossip that players Oswin Appollis and Thabang Matuludi are heading to Orlando Pirates.
After a 1-1 draw with Sekhukhune United on Sunday, Mohafe took the opportunity to address the swirling speculation head-on.
In the previous transfer window, Appollis was a hot topic, linked with moves to both Kaizer Chiefs and Tunisian giants Esperance de Tunis.
Meanwhile, Matuludi was rumoured to be on the radar of Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch FC. However, neither transfer came to fruition.
As the January transfer window opened, the duo found themselves once again at the center of transfer rumors, particularly with Orlando Pirates.
Speaking to the media post-match, Mohafe was clear in his dismissal of the speculation. “You know with this issue of our players being linked with other people, let it be their own agenda,” he said.
He emphasized that he would not engage with what he described as mere rumors. “But I think we shouldn’t be engaging with it anymore because it’s just rumours that are flying around and I’d rather not comment further about this but as you checked the players are here.”
Mohafe’s dismissal of the transfer talk was not only a message to the media but also to the players themselves.
He highlighted their awareness of their current situation and responsibilities, saying, “So that tells you something else. Let the headlines fly but I don’t have to talk to them, these players, they know what is at stake for them.”
Over the last 24 hours, there have been no significant updates or shifts regarding the potential transfer of Appollis and Matuludi to Orlando Pirates, maintaining the stance that these remain rumours without substance.