Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has provided an update on Relebohile Mofokeng, after the winger was a surprise omission from the Buccaneers’ squad in their 1-0 victory over Orbit College FC at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday night.
The Betway Premiership newcomers were edged out by a Lebone Seema strike as Pirates notched back-to-back league wins, but the biggest talking point was the absence of the 20-year-old attacker, who had featured in every game of the season up to that point.
Read: Ouaddou Gives Special Praise To Saleng-Less Orbit
Mofokeng, who watched the game from the stands alongside some of his other teammates, was left out after medical staff raised concerns ahead of kick-off.
Speaking after the match, Ouaddou revealed that the club is still awaiting full clarity on the issue.
“About Rele, I have to discuss with the medical department, they communicated with me that he cannot be part of the game. But we still don’t have full feedback on the exam that he should do. I hope it’s nothing serious because we need him,” said Ouaddou.
Mofokeng’s absence comes just days after he played the full 90 minutes in Pirates’ dramatic penalty shootout victory over Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 semi-final second leg, a result that booked the Soweto giants a place in the final against Stellenbosch next month.
The young Bafana Bafana international has been a central figure in Ouaddou’s plans, making six appearances in all competitions this season.
His direct play and creativity have been key to Pirates’ resurgence after a rocky start that saw them lose their opening two league matches to Sekhukhune United and Marumo Gallants.
Beyond his on-field importance, Mofokeng has also been in the headlines with foreign reports linking him to a potential move to Major League Soccer side Minnesota United.
Read – Behind Mudau’s Return: What’s Really Happening At Sundowns
For now, though, the focus at Orlando is on his fitness, with the club eager to have him available as they push for consistency in the league while preparing for the MTN8 final.
With Ouaddou stressing his hope that the setback is not serious, Pirates supporters will be awaiting updates from the medical department in the coming days to see when one of their most exciting young talents can return to action.
