Relebohile Mofokeng Linked With Saudi Move as Expert Urges Caution
- Despite Orlando Pirates denying rumours, Relebohile Mofokeng continues to be linked with a move abroad
- Briefly News had an exclusive interview with football pundit Mandla Biyela, who weighed in on the overseas move
- While big-money moves are tempting, Biyela warned that Saudi transfers often come with a “money-chaser” label
Orlando Pirates star Relebohile Mofokeng remains linked to reports of a move to the Saudi Pro League, despite the club denying the rumours.
This is not the first time in pre-season that Mofokeng has been associated with a transfer, with earlier reports linking him to a R31.2 million move to Israeli club Maccabi Haifa, claims the Buccaneers also scoffed at.
Source: Instagram
Briefly News had an exclusive interview with football pundit Mandla Biyela to understand whether moving abroad would be the best option for the young star, who had a great season and is in the running for the Player of the Season award.
Is moving abroad a good idea for Mofokeng?
Biyela believes that a move abroad is every young player's dream, and that Mofokeng would be following in the footsteps of many South Africans, the latest being Mohau Nkota.
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“Every young star has ambitions of playing overseas. The likes of Lucas Radebe and Dino Ndlovu have opened doors for South African players to ply their trade abroad. But the question is, is Saudi Arabia or even Israel the best destination?”
Is Saudi Arabia the right destination?
Biyela underscored the need for Mofokeng to be cautious and not make a decision that might ruin his career. However, he reiterated that the presence of Nkota in Saudi Arabia could make the move easier for him by giving him that Mzansi connection.
“Saudi Arabia has grown in recent years as a footballing nation, but the talent Mofokeng has deserves leagues in Europe. I wish his agents could connect him to France’s Ligue 1 or Portugal. Those leagues are highly regarded; they are your traditional footballing nations, unlike Saudi Arabia.”
Source: Instagram
The lure of big money has attracted many footballers to Saudi Arabia, with one of the greatest players of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo, recently renewing his contract with Al-Nassr.
“Players who move to Saudi Arabia usually get stereotyped as chasing money more than football. So I don’t think Rele wants to be labelled like that. If I were his advisor, I’d say: ‘My boy, let’s get you a European club. Otherwise, stay at Pirates, hone your craft here, and when the right offer comes, take it in Europe.’ ”
As the reports around Mofokeng continue to swirl, only time will tell whether the prolific Bafana Bafana star will remain at Orlando Pirates or whether he’ll soon be on his way out of South African shores.
Doctor Khumalo praises young Pirates star
Briefly News previously reported that Kaizer Chiefs legend Doctor Khumalo heaped praise on Orlando Pirates star Mohau Nkota for his fearless and positive style of play.
The 20-year-old winger impressed during the 2023/24 season, earning admiration for always playing forward and taking on defenders.
Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.
Source: Briefly News
