As conflict rages in the Middle East, Orlando Pirates starlet Relebohile Mofokeng linked with move to Israel

Could Orlando Pirates starlet Relebohile Mofokeng be moving to Israel?

Israeli publication Sport5 reports that Maccabi Haifa have registered an interest in the 20-year-old Mofokeng, who has also been courted by Spanish giants Barcelona recently.

As a result, Pirates are said to have slapped a €1.5 million (R31.2 million) price tag on the youngster, plus a percentage on any future sale. The report suggests Maccabi Tel Aviv are also keeping tabs on Mofokeng.

Last year, it was reported that Barcelona were keen on the player and had made inquiries. However, nothing concrete has come from that interest to date.

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Mofokeng has become a fan favourite at Orlando Pirates since being given his big break by former head coach Jose Riveiro two seasons ago. His impressive performances have also seen him make the step up to international football.

If Mofokeng were to complete the move to Israel, he would become the 10th South African to play football in the country in recent years. In the past, Thembinkosi Fanteni, Bevan Fransman, Tsepo Masilela, Mihlali Mayambela, Dino Ndlovu, Siyabonga Nkosi, Zama Rambuwane, and Siyanda Xulu have all played in the country.

Currently, former Mamelodi Sundowns defender Rushine De Reuck plies his trade in Israel.

A move to Israel would be a controversial one for Mofokeng. The country is currently engaged in what the South African government calls a genocide against the people of Palestine.

In 2023, South Africa’s government approached the International Court of Justice to open a case against Israel’s continued conduct in the Gaza Strip that resulted in a humanitarian crisis and mass killings.

Last week, Israel launched an unprovoked missile attack against Iran.

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