JOHANNESBURG — Newly minted Royale Union Saint-Gilloise signing Relebohile Mofokeng has quickly shut down swirling media speculation suggesting he was unhappy with Orlando Pirates’ transfer choices before his exit.
Rumors had suggested the 21-year-old Bafana Bafana playmaker was frustrated with the club’s decisions to sell fellow academy graduates Mohau Nkota and Mbekezeli Mbokazi. However, Mofokeng has put those theories to bed, revealing a personal pact he made with Pirates Chairman Dr. Irvin Khoza.
Clear Promises & Perfect Timing
According to Mofokeng, his delayed departure from South Africa had nothing to do with frustration, but rather a burning desire to deliver domestic glory first.
“People are always saying that [I was unhappy], but I was also supposed to leave earlier,” Mofokeng clarified. “I told the Chairman that I won’t leave before I win the league. I wanted to fight for the badge first. When I did that, the Chairman was very happy.”
“I think it was due time. God’s timing is always perfect… When it’s your time, it’s your time. Everyone has a chance, and now, it’s my time to leave.”
The R20m Question: Can Emile Witbooi Fill the Void?
With Mofokeng officially bound for Belgium, the Sea Robbers have a massive creative void to fill. The rumor mill has pointed directly to Cape Town City’s 17-year-old wunderkind, Emile Witbooi.
[Mofokeng Departs] ──> [R20 Million Vacancy] ──> [Enter: Emile Witbooi?]
(To Belgium) (Creative Playmaker) (Cape Town City Prodigy)
Though exceptionally talented, the diminutive attacking midfielder is far from a finished product. With Cape Town City slapping a hefty R20 million price tag on the 2008-born prodigy, the Pirates board will have to weigh whether to pull the trigger on a massive, long-term investment.
