Orlando Pirates are believed to be distancing themselves from mounting speculation linking star attacker Relebohile Mofokeng with a potential move to Israeli giants Maccabi Haifa or Maccabi Tel Aviv.
According to insiders, the club is understood to be frustrated by the persistence of unfounded foreign reports and what it sees as a deliberate effort to create transfer noise around one of its most talented young players.
Read: Rele Must Leave SA – Mofokeng's Father Speaks Out
This week, Israeli publication Sport5 reported that Maccabi Haifa had “registered an interest” in the 20-year-old, with claims that Pirates had placed a €1.5 million (R31.2 million) price tag on the player, along with a future resale percentage.
The same report went further to suggest that Maccabi Tel Aviv were also monitoring the Bafana Bafana international, who has previously been linked with Barcelona.
However, sources close to the Buccaneers have indicated to the Siya crew that the club is distancing itself from these reports, stressing that no formal contact or offer has been received from either of the Israeli clubs mentioned – nor is there any negotiation underway involving Mofokeng.
“These stories have started to become disruptive. The club is unaware of this, and I am not aware of any discussions that have been entered into. For now, I will say it’s all speculation, and I guess that is part of the game, especially during this time,” said a well-placed insider.
Pirates’ officials are understood to be reiterating their commitment to doing business professionally, privately and through proper channels.
Read – Chiefs’ GK Revamp: Opubo To be Offered Amid Ntwari Exit Talk
“Player announcements will be made by the club through proper channels,” concluded the source.
The Siya crew has reached out to Pirates for official comment on the report. However, at the time of publishing, the club had not yet responded.
