Global interest grows in Rele Mofokeng as Pyramids FC join race for Orlando Pirates star
In demand CAF Champions League winners Pyramids FC have joined the race to sign Orlando Pirates starlet Relebohile Mofokeng, Photo: Itumeleng English/Independent Media
Image: Itumeleng English/Independent Media
After missing out on Lucas Ribeiro, African champions Pyramids FC have now set their sights on Orlando Pirates starlet Relebohile Mofokeng.
After the Brazilian’s impressive performance at the recently completed FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, a number of clubs have been interested in his services and have approached Mamelodi Sundowns.
However, Sundowns are said to have no intention of letting their star man go and have rebuffed all offers for him so far.
As a result, attention has turned to Mofokeng, who has also attracted interest from a number of clubs from around the world of late.
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Egyptian publication Almasry Alyoum reports that the CAF Champions League winners want to sign Mofokeng as a potential replacement for Ibrahim Adel, who left the club recently.
The Egyptian link is the latest in a number of rumours surrounding Mofokeng, who is expected to leave Orlando Pirates before the new Betway Premiership season kicks off.
Last week, it was reported that Mofokeng was in talks with Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq, who recently signed Mohau Nkota.
The player has also been linked with a possible move to Israel, although this has been dismissed by Pirates. Clubs in Major League Soccer in the United States were also said to be interested in his services.
It was also reported that Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven were weighing up their options, but this too has since been dismissed by Pirates as untrue.
Two weeks ago, Bafana Bafana legend Benni McCarthy, currently the head coach of the Kenya national team, urged Mofokeng to move to Europe in order to keep growing as a footballer.
“I’ve watched him several times, and I think he’s got huge potential. He’s got the mentality and football intelligence of players from my generation,” McCarthy said when answering IOL Sport’s question.
“He’s generations ahead of the current crop of players. I think he’s got what it takes to make it in Europe. I would encourage him to find a way to play in Europe. South Africa, yes, it has some of the best players in Africa, but Africa is a small continent in football terms.
“When you play in Europe, you get the chance to play against the biggest and the best. It’s you against the world.”
With growing interest from top leagues, Mofokeng’s future appears destined to unfold beyond South African shores.
IOL Sport