Abdeslam Ouaddou explains Relebohile Mofokeng absence in Orbit win | OneFootball

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Ouaddou sheds light on Mofokeng's absence in Orbit win

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Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has explained the reason why Relebohile Mofokeng, who has been subject to intense transfer speculation, was not included in the matchday squad against Orbit College on Tuesday.

The Buccaneers claimed a 1-0 victory over the newly promoted outfit, courtesy of a stunner from long range by center-back Lebone Seema. Ouaddou’s men moved up to seventh place on the Betway Premiership standings.

While Pirates have now made it back-to-back wins after suffering two consecutive defats in their opening two matches of the season, Mofokeng’s absence in the club’s second league win of the 2025/26 campaign raised eyebrows.

The 20-year-old starlet, who featured in six matches for the Sea Robbers this term, watched the match against Orbit in the stands with other reserves. Ouaddou has since clarified the factors behind Mofokeng’s exclusion.

“About Rele [Mofokeng], unfortunately I have to discuss with my medical department. I heard, of course, they communicated with me that he cannot be part of the game, but we still don’t have any feedback on the exam that he should do,” said the Bucs mentor.

The former Marumo Gallants boss continued: “I hope it’s nothing serious because we need him.

Mofokeng has been linked with a move to a host of clubs, including Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ettifaq and Major League Soccer (MLS) side Minnesota United, who were recently said to have submitted a bid in excess of $ 2 million (R 35 million) for the player’s services.

However, none of the moves materialized and the Bafana Bafana international now looks set to spend another season in the South African topflight division, with the Saudi club believed to have pulled the plug, while the transfer window in the US has slammed shut.