Orlando Pirates say NO to combined offers worth R87.8 million

Orlando Pirates have made their stance clear: Relebohile Mofokeng is staying put, at least for now.

The 20-year-old sensation has attracted attention from across the globe, but the Sea Robbers have rejected combined offers worth a staggering R87.8 million.

The Saudi side, Al Ettifaq, offered around R26.9 million, while MLS outfit Minnesota United bid R34.9 million. Russian club Akron Tolyatti is the latest rejected outfit after they tabled an R26 million bid. All three were swiftly turned down.

RELEBOHILE MOFOKENG OFFERS REJECTED

Mofokeng had his best season last term, scoring 12 goals and 15 assists across competitions. He has become the team’s heartbeat, dazzling fans with his dribbling and vision in the final third.

According to reports, Orlando Pirates’ decision-making is based on football ambition rather than money.

It is understood that the club, the player, his representatives and his parents are all aligned. They are holding out for a move to more footballing leagues: Spain’s La Liga, the Netherlands’ Eredivisie, France’s Ligue 1 or the Belgian Pro Division, which are seen as natural springboards into the English Premier League.

There are also strong suggestions that Orlando Pirates and his agency believe the upcoming Afcon and World Cup will give Mofokeng even higher exposure in Bafana Bafana colours, potentially boosting his stock before a big move abroad.