Abdeslam Ouaddou coy on Relebohile Mofokeng’s uncertain future | OneFootball

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Ouaddou mum on Mofokeng's swirling transfer rumors

Photo: Orlando Pirates

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou kept his cards close to his chest when he was quizzed about the latest transfer speculations surrounding in-demand Relebohile Mofokeng.

The Moroccan tactician claimed his first Betway Premiership win as the Bucs coach at the expense of Stellenbosch FC at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday. Interestingly, Mofokeng started the match and was deployed as a no.10, with Patrick Maswanganyi rested.

However, on the eve of the match, reports emerging from the United States of America (USA) indicated that Major League Soccer (MLS) outfit Minnesota United have tabled a lucrative bid in excess of $ 2 million (R35 million) for the starlet’s services.

When pressed for answers after the game, the former Marumo Gallants boss refrained from delving deep into the matter, stating that his main focus was kickstarting his team’s campaign in the league and hopes Mofokeng will still be an integral part of the club.

“I’m sorry about that question but today [Wednesday] I was really focused on the Stellenbosch game. I didn’t have time to watch, or even to read the media,” said Ouaddou after the match.

“What I know is that Rele [Mofokeng] is with us and today he did well, it means that he is with us, and I hope he will be with us [going forward].

Moreover, Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq, who pounced on the signing of another Pirates academy graduate Mohau Nkota in a surprise move last month, were said to be in active negotiations with the Soweto giants over the potential transfer of Mofokeng, but a deal never materialized.

Meanwhile, Pirates moved up to 11th-place on the log standings with Stellies’ scalp, after suffering frustrating back-to-back defeats to Sekhukhune United and Gallants in their opening two league outings of the 2025/26 season.

Now, Ouaddou and his troops will shift their focus to their titanic second leg clash of the MTN8 semi-final against Mamelodi Sundowns at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday. The two sides settled for a one-all draw in the first meeting in Orlando.