With foreign reports linking Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana midfielder Relebohile Mofokeng with interest from Israel, a legendary former PSL coach believes the timing is perfect for the youngster's European adventure.
Since then Bucs insiders have indicated that it's not true the club is in talks with Maccabi Haifa and Maccabi Tel Aviv. Nevertheless, the sensational youngster has been tipped to move to Europe, wherever that might be in future.
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Now former Pirates coach Augusto Palacios speaks to Soccer Laduma in an exclusive interview how "Rele" should sign for a club in Europe, saying Bucs need to be selective about the right team and the right price.
"I will be honest with you. I don't know whether it's confirmed or maybe it can just be speculation, but what I can say is that the opportunity for Rele to play overseas is more important. And the club knows the right condition and the right price for him. But with full respect I know that it's a good opportunity for him to go overseas now. It must in the right time. This is the right time. And because he is still young and the club must decide which club and country is good for him. But to go overseas in general this is the perfect time. He should not lose the opportunity," Palacios told the Siya crew.
Palacios is not necessarily backing Mofokeng to move to Israel, but he believes this is the right time for the Pirates star to move abroad.
Meanwhile, on a different topic altogether, the legendary Pirates youth development mentor stated that he doesn't feel it was good for Thabiso Monyane to leave Pirates and join Kaizer Chiefs at this point in his career.
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"I know Thabiso (Monyane) from when he joined Pirates and he is a quality player who can play in different positions. I really don't know what happened for him to leave. Whether his contract was not renewed or he just wanted to leave, I don't think it's the right time. And if he really joins Chiefs it's better because there is the same challenge as at Pirates. He can play his game and go back to the national team, Bafana Bafana. He deserves to be playing in the national team. If Chiefs sign him it will be a good signing for them," Palacios told Soccer Laduma.
The contrasting views from Palacios on the two Pirates products highlight the delicate decisions clubs and players face during transfer windows. While he enthusiastically endorses Mofokeng's potential move abroad at what he considers the perfect developmental stage, his concern about Monyane's departure reflects a belief that sometimes continuity at a club can be more beneficial than change.
As someone who has overseen the development of numerous South African talents, Palacios' perspectives carry significant weight in assessing the career trajectories of these promising players.
