Relebohile Mofokeng’s Maccabi Haifa Move in Jeopardy Amid Middle East Tensions
Relebohile Mofokeng’s potential transfer to Maccabi Haifa has hit an unexpected snag, with escalating tensions between Israel and Iran raising serious security concerns around the proposed move. The 19-year-old Orlando Pirates sensation, widely regarded as one of South Africa’s most exciting prospects, has reportedly attracted strong interest from the Israeli club ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Maccabi Haifa are believed to have tabled a €1.5 million (approximately R32 million) offer for the dynamic winger — the same amount they paid last year to secure the services of Xander Sabrina. Negotiations with Mofokeng’s representatives are said to have progressed significantly in recent weeks, but off-field developments may now derail the deal.
According to reports from Israel, Mofokeng and his family have expressed growing concerns about the country’s volatile security climate. The recent uptick in violent incidents, including shootings in Haifa — where Maccabi is based — has cast doubt over the feasibility of the move. The ongoing regional conflict between Israel and Iran has further heightened tensions, prompting understandable hesitation from the young player’s camp.
Despite these concerns, Maccabi Haifa remain hopeful that the deal can still be completed. Club officials have reportedly met with Mofokeng’s family to offer reassurances regarding the player’s safety and well-being, highlighting the professional and lifestyle benefits of the move. The Israeli giants believe Mofokeng is an ideal fit for their system, particularly after the collapse of their intended deal for Hamoudi Canaan, which left a gap in their attacking lineup.
Haifa are eager to secure the transfer before they depart for their pre-season training camp in Hungary. They are also aware of growing interest from domestic rivals Maccabi Tel Aviv, who are said to be monitoring the situation closely.
If the deal goes through, Mofokeng would become the latest South African to play for Maccabi Haifa, following in the footsteps of former Bafana Bafana stars Tsepo Masilela and Thembinkosi Fanteni. His technical skill, flair, and pace have already drawn comparisons to top-level European wingers, and the move is seen as a key opportunity to elevate his career on the international stage.
However, back home, sources close to Orlando Pirates have denied that any official talks with Israeli clubs are currently underway. This has added a layer of confusion to the saga, with contrasting narratives emerging between international reports and local insiders.
Mofokeng, who has already made an impact in the senior Bafana Bafana setup, is expected to move abroad before the new PSL season kicks off. But unless the right deal materialises — one that offers both professional growth and personal security — the young talent may remain in South Africa a while longer. For many local fans, that would be a welcome development, as they continue to witness his rise on home soil.
