Orlando Pirates Deny R120m Bid on Mofokeng But Stay Quiet on His Future

Speculation around Relebohile Mofokeng’s future continues to intensify, and Orlando Pirates’ recent response to the noise has raised more questions than answers. The club might have issued a public statement, but its vague wording has left supporters and analysts wondering whether something bigger is being kept under wraps.

Orlando Pirates Deny Offer But Don’t Set the Record Straight

On 16 July, Orlando Pirates dismissed reports that Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven had tabled a staggering R120 million bid for the 20-year-old attacker. In a short statement published on the club’s website, Pirates slammed the media for fuelling speculation without verification. The statement was clear in its dismissal of the rumoured transfer fee and the alleged offer, but that’s where the clarity ended.

According to the respected site transfermarkt.co.za, Mofokeng’s current market value sits closer to R33 million. That’s a significant gap from the amount in the reports, but interestingly, the club didn’t comment on the player’s future with the Buccaneers at all. The tone of the statement focused more on discrediting the report than providing fans with assurance.

Strategic Silence or a Telling Omission?

What made the statement more intriguing is what it didn’t say. Nowhere in the club’s message was there any line confirming that Mofokeng is staying, committed, or part of long-term plans. Pirates avoided providing any definitive stance on his future, instead calling out the media for destabilising speculation.

For many, this silence speaks volumes. If Pirates were eager to kill the rumours, wouldn’t it have been easy enough to state that Mofokeng is not for sale? A simple show of confidence could’ve ended the chatter. Instead, fans are left to read between the lines, and many are starting to believe that where there’s smoke, there may well be fire.

A Pattern of Withholding Information?

This isn’t the first time Pirates have remained tight-lipped over a player’s status. Just look at the curious case of Monnapule Saleng. Since December 7 last year, the winger has been absent from matchday squads, with no communication from the club to explain his omission. Whispers of a shock move to Kaizer Chiefs even began doing the rounds, but again, Pirates said nothing.

It was only earlier this month, more than half a year later, that clarity emerged, when Saleng was officially loaned out to Orbit College. Until then, supporters were left in the dark.

This pattern of non-disclosure raises legitimate concerns. Why are Pirates so reluctant to communicate openly about their key players? Are they protecting deals in progress? Or is the club simply prioritising privacy over transparency?

Fans Deserve Answers, Not Confusion

For a club of Pirates’ stature, clear communication is critical, especially when dealing with players as promising as Relebohile Mofokeng. At just 20, Mofokeng is one of the most exciting young prospects in the country. His growth, value, and potential future are all matters that naturally interest supporters.

Yet, by choosing to respond without offering actual answers, Pirates may have inadvertently added fuel to the transfer speculation. The club’s decision not to confirm Mofokeng’s intentions or rule out a departure has left many wondering whether a move is, in fact, already in the pipeline.

No Smoke Without Fire?

At this point, the only certainty is that no R120 million bid has been made, according to Pirates. But that doesn’t mean negotiations aren’t underway behind closed doors. Whether it’s PSV or another European suitor, the young attacker is clearly drawing attention beyond our borders.

Until the Buccaneers come clean or Mofokeng makes a public statement himself, fans will continue to speculate. And perhaps, that’s exactly what Pirates are banking on. silence, after all, can sometimes say more than words.

Related article: Orlando Pirates Shut Down R31.2 million Relebohile Mofokeng Transfer Talk