What are Orlando Pirates not saying about Relebohile Mofokeng?
Orlando Pirates have denied reports of a R120 million offer from PSV for striker Relebohile Mofokeng, but their statement did not address his future at the club, leaving uncertainty about his potential departure. Picture: Itumeleng English/Independent Media
Image: Itumeleng English/Independent Media
As the rumours continue to swirl about the future of star Orlando Pirates striker Relebohile Mofokeng, it’s worth taking a closer look at the statement from the club on the player.
Pirates were quick to rubbish reports on July 16 that PSV had made an offer of R120m for the 20-year-old.
According to transfermarkt.co.za, Mofokeng’s market value is around R33 million.
In a 178-word statement on its website, Pirates went on the offensive to say no such offer had been received by the club.
Statement Addresses Media Reports Without Dispelling Rumours About Mofokeng’s Future
It ended the statement with the line: “We call upon all media outlets to refrain from publishing unverified reports that seek to create instability for the sake of clicks.”
What was revealing about the statement though, is that nowhere did it say something to dispel rumours that Mofokeng may in fact be leaving the club.
Instead, it targeted the publication for publishing the story and the amount in question.
Surely if the club wanted to stamp out rumours about Mofokeng, it would add that Mofokeng is committed to his future at the club?
Pirates’ Silence on Player Rumours: Monnapule Saleng’s Absence and Mofokeng’s Future Uncertain
It’s not the first time Pirates have done little to prevent rumours starting about their players. For over six months, there was no word on Monnapule Saleng.
The star player was inexplicably absent from the Pirates team since December 7. There had even been rumours that Saleng might join rivals Kaizer Chiefs at one point, and yet Pirates did not address such reports.
Only when he was loaned out to Orbit College earlier this month did the public get any clarification on his future.
As for Mofokeng, whether he continues to ply his trade for Pirates remains to be seen; all we know is how much money hasn’t been offered for the young talent.