Orlando Pirates have introduced half a dozen new academy prospects to the rigours of first-team football. Exciting time for these youngsters.
Pirates welcome youngsters to training
There are six fresh new faces in training with Orlando Pirates. They are Cristian Derbyshire, Mpho Mphekgoane, Tshepo Mhlambi, Simphiwe Masilela, Lebohang Mohlale and Lungelo Dondolo. Watch this space for more as we build up to the club’s title challenge next term. One player who they won’t be training alongside is Relebohile Mofokeng.
Mofokeng jets off to Belgium
It’s always felt like a matter of time. Relebohile Mofokeng will seal a move to Belgian side Union-Saint Gilloise in the coming days, and his exit from the club has been in the works for a while. Now feels like a decent time for the club to sanction a sale, given the 21-year-old’s eye-catching display against South Korea in the World Cup. Pirates could recoup €4 million (R75 million) for their prized Bafana star. Mofokeng will link up with Canada striker Promise David, the 1.95m tall star in Canada’s World Cup squad, and was a 70th-minute substitute in the Canucks’ 1-0 win over Bafana. Mofokeng scored 10 goals and laid on eight assists in the league last term, spearheading Pirates’ charge to the title.
Oswin Appollis, meanwhile, is the subject of a €3 million (R56 million) offer from Portuguese giants Porto. If Pirates lose both marquee names in the same window, they’ll need to reinvest the considerable fees they get. If they don’t, the squad will be considerably weakened. Appollis’ output of nine goals and six assists from 30 league outings was a significant contribution.
