Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is hopeful Relebohile Mofokeng remains with the club amidst the latest reported offer from Minnesota United for the player and addressed his switch to the 10 role.
Mofokeng, 20, has been subject of interest from Israeli giants Maccabi Haifa and Maccabi Tel Aviv, and Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq in recent weeks, while Minnesota United have now also emerged as suitors for the South Africa international.
“I’m sorry… about that question [of Mofokeng], today I was only focused on the game of Stellenbosch, I didn’t have time to look or read in the media,” Ouaddou said about the reported bid from Minnesota United.
“What I know is, Rele is with us, he did well, it means he is with us and I hope he [remains] with us.”
While there’s been no indication that he will be leaving the club, he’s continued to be an integral part of Ouaddou’s set-up and started in the central playmaker role, while Oswin Appollis moved into the inverted left midfield role and Kamogelo Sebelebele on the right wing.
It brought around questions whether it’s a role he could be developed into, as Patrick Maswanganyi was dropped to the bench during their 1-0 win over Stellenbosch at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday evening.
“I cannot say that I see him in future in that position [10], as a coach you have to analyse the profile of the players that you have, analyse the connection between them, what can work, what cannot work,” he added about Mofokeng’s performance.
“I thought he had a good connection with Appollis and Sebelebele, maybe we can see him again in that role but he can still play wide – but he’s a profile of a player that we need to give freedom.
“Very technically intelligent, clever, you cannot limit him. He needs freedom.”
Mofokeng has amassed 94 appearances for the Buccaneers since earning promotion to the first team, scoring 18 goals with 22 assists to his name.