After a slow start by Orlando Pirates, legend Edward Motale and Mohau Nkota respond to whether transfer rumours are affecting Relebohile Mofokeng.
Mofokeng made the nod as one of the top three best footballers of the 2024/25 season in the PSL, by virtue of being shortlisted for the Players' Player and Footballer of the Season awards, which were both won by Lucas Ribeiro Costa of Mamelodi Sundowns.
And so naturally, there was going to be scrutiny on his performances under new Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.
READ | How sold out 'noise' at Orlando affects Pirates new signings
After three matches with Ouaddou in charge, including back-to-back losses in the Betway Premiership, there are suggestions from some quarters that the 20-year-old does not appear to be himself.
Especially given the rumours around his future, with a number of overseas clubs reported to have or continue to make bids for his services.
The latest reports that Saudi Arabia outfit Al-Ettifaq, who have already signed Mohau Nkota from the Soweto giants, have been making efforts to lure the Bafana Bafana attacker have created a debate that Mofokeng could be affected.
"I don't know what's happening to my boy but he will be okay, I don't know because people are talking," Nkota responded on that particular question when asked on Metro FM Sports.
READ | Ouaddou: Everybody is important for us this season
"Those we don't know (whether he's affected or not). But I wish him all the best, I hope he's gonna do better than last season."
The Siya crew spoke to Pirates legend Edward Motale on whether he sees Mofokeng distracted or affected on the pitch by all these transfer speculations, especially with Nkota already moving to Saudi Arabia.
"No, he's not affected, Nkota came in while Mofokeng was already established in the senior team," Motale told this publication.
"So nothing is gonna affect Mofokeng. Me, I don't entertain rumours," Motale said.
Mofokeng came on a second-half substitute in Pirates' 2-1 defeat to Marumo Gallants.
