Jose Riveiro has reportedly shifted his focus to new defensive targets at Al Ahly, with Orlando Pirates unwilling to entertain any offers for Mbekezeli Mbokazi.
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It has been reported in recent weeks that the Club of the Century are in the market for a new centre-back as the club commence preparations for the FIFA Club World Cup. One of the players touted as a possible target is Orlando Pirates youngster Mbokazi.
Amid a list of mounting injuries in the backline this campaign, Riveiro gave the 19-year-old a chance, and he became a mainstay for the Buccaneers’ run-in at the end of the season.
It has since been alleged that the Egyptian giants want to sign the South African defender.
The Siya crew reported that Orlando Pirates are likely to not entertain any offers for Mbokazi.
According to WinWin, it appears that the club have now moved on to other targets and decided to opt for a player within the Egyptian Premier League and have come to an agreement with Pharco FC to acquire the services of Yassin Marei.
The same report claims that Ahly are unsure whether Rami Rabia will stay at the club, with his contract set to expire at the end of the campaign. As such, the club are making contingencies and have drawn up a list of possible acquisitions to replace the Egyptian international.
While Ahly have reportedly agreed to sign Marei, it is also understood that the club want to bring in another central defender and have shortlisted Mahmoud El Gazar and Amr El Gazar, with Riveiro said to be a fan of the former in order to add defensive solidity.
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It remains to be seen whether Mbokazi will be recruited by anybody else in the transfer market, but at this moment, it seems that he is not a priority for Ahly.
