Israeli champions Maccabi Tel Aviv are understood to be pushing hard to move ahead of domestic rivals Maccabi Haifa in the race to sign a Bafana Bafana international, the Siya crew has been informed.
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Earlier this week, reports emerged that the two Ligat Ha'Al giants are competing for the services of the South African star, Relebohile Mofokeng.
The 2024/25 campaign was one in which the youngster ascended to superstardom in South African football, as he spearheaded an Orlando Pirates attack that challenged for the Betway Premiership title, reached the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League, contested the Nedbank Cup final, and lifted the MTN8 trophy. During that period, he scored 12 goals and provided 15 assists.
While some sources close to Pirates insist that there has been no offers for Mofokeng from any european sides, the Siya crew has now been informed that clubs have begun to queue up in a bid to prise the Sharpeville native away from the Orlando Stadium.
Sources close to Maccabi Tel Aviv have revealed to this publication that the Israeli champions are understood to be eager to get a deal over the line as soon as possible.
Not only are The Yellows the oldest club in Israel’s history — founded in 1906, but they are also the country’s most successful, having won a total of 26 league titles to date. In the most recent campaign, they secured the domestic title once again, finishing 12 points clear at the top of the table.
They ended the season even further ahead of Haifa, the other Israeli club interested in the 20-year-old and finishing 18 points clear of their rivals. As a result of their championship triumph, Tel Aviv will enter next season’s UEFA Champions League qualification, beginning their campaign next month against Cypriot side Paros.
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Should a deal be completed in time, we could see the player known as ;Cocomelon' featuring on European club football’s biggest stage.
Information reaching Soccer Laduma suggests that Maccabi Haifa are prepared to offer €1.2 million (R21.6 million) for the young star, but the Buccaneers are holding out for a fee closer to €1.5 million (R27.1 million).
It remains to be seen whether Tel Aviv will agree to meet that valuation.
