Orlando Pirates dismiss reports linking Relebohile Mofokeng with R31m move to Israel
No truth behind Israel rumours, say Pirates Soweto giants Orlando Pirates have dismissed reports linking Relebohile Mofokeng with a move to Israel's Maccabi Tel Aviv. Photo: Phakamisa Lensman/BackpagePix
Image: Phakamisa Lensman/BackpagePix
Orlando Pirates have insisted they have received no approach from Israeli giants Maccabi Tel Aviv over the signing of star Relebohile Mofokeng.
Reports from Israel emerged earlier this week that Maccabi Tel Aviv had registered their interest to buy Mofokeng, resulting in the club slapping a €1.5 million (R31.2 million) price tag on the youngster, plus a percentage on any future sale.
However, according to Soccer Laduma, a “well-placed insider” at the club denied there had been any contact made with the Israeli club over the sale of the 20-year-old. The insider went as far as calling the speculation over Mofokeng’s future “disruptive”.
Attempts by IOL Sport to get an official comment from Orlando Pirates were unsuccessful.
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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.
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.
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.
IOL Sport