The squad overhaul at Orlando Pirates has hit overdrive. In what is undoubtedly the biggest exit of the transfer window, Bucs sensation Relebohile Mofokeng is officially heading to Europe, becoming the ninth player to leave the newly-crowned Betway Premiership champions ahead of the new season.
Mofokeng Swaps Mayfair for Belgium
Orlando Pirates confirmed on Wednesday that an agreement has been reached with Belgian giants Royale Union Saint-Gilloise (Union SG) for the permanent transfer of the Bafana Bafana starlet.
While heavy interest was reported from German Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen, the Buccaneers revealed that the deal with the Belgian side was actually wrapped up behind closed doors well before the tournament kicked off.
“The club can reveal that an agreement in principle between Orlando Pirates and Union Saint-Gilloise was in fact reached before the start of the FIFA World Cup,” Orlando Pirates stated.
With Mofokeng’s departure finalized, coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s cleared-out list has grown significantly.
The Updated List of Orlando Pirates Departures:
- Relebohile Mofokeng
- Thabiso Lebitso
- Sipho Mbule
- Tshegofatso Mabasa
- Bandile Shandu
- Karim Kimvuidi
- Deivi Miguel Vieira (Gilberto)
- Gomolemo Khoto
- Siyabonga Ndlozi
Next Out the Door? Porto Tables R74m Bid for Oswin Appollis
Mofokeng might not be the only World Cup star leaving Mayfair. Following a string of calm, composed, and consistent performances for South Africa on the world stage—including standout displays against the Czech Republic, South Korea, and Canada—winger Oswin Appollis has caught the eye of European royalty.
Portuguese giants FC Porto have reportedly tabled a staggering R74 million offer to secure the speedster’s signature.
Both Mofokeng and Appollis were instrumental in ending the Buccaneers’ 14-year league title drought. Now, both have the opportunity of a lifetime. Mofokeng’s European dream is locked in—the burning question left for Bucs fans is whether Appollis will be next to book his ticket to Portugal.
