Orlando Pirates Star Relebohile Mofokeng Turns Down Big-Money Move to Israeli Giants

Orlando Pirates attacker Relebohile Mofokeng has reportedly rejected a lucrative offer from Israeli football giants, choosing to remain patient as he waits for a move to one of Europe’s top leagues.

Both Maccabi Haifa and Maccabi Tel Aviv were said to be in active talks with the Buccaneers over the potential transfer of the 20-year-old Bafana Bafana star. Maccabi Haifa, in particular, showed serious intent by tabling an offer worth around €1.4 million (approximately R29 million), along with a 20% sell-on clause that would benefit Pirates in future transfers.

While the club appeared open to considering the proposal, Mofokeng himself quickly made it clear he wasn’t interested in a switch to the Israeli Premier League. Sources close to the situation revealed that the talented winger declined to enter discussions over personal terms, signaling that he is focused on securing a move to a more competitive European destination.

Mofokeng’s preference is understood to be a transfer to one of Europe’s top five leagues, or at the very least, a move to a well-established club in Western Europe. His career ambition is to test himself at the highest level, and he believes a move at this stage to Israel would not align with that goal.

The decision comes after a standout 2024/25 season for the young winger, who recorded 12 goals and 15 assists across all competitions. His performances were instrumental in helping Pirates reach the latter stages of both domestic and continental competitions, firmly establishing him as one of the brightest young talents in South African football.

The 20-year-old has already attracted attention from major European clubs, with FC Barcelona among those reportedly monitoring his progress.

There is also growing talk that Mofokeng could remain at Orlando Pirates at least until after the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, giving him the chance to further boost his profile on the international stage. A move during the mid-season transfer window of the 2025/26 campaign remains a possibility if suitable offers from Europe materialize.

For now, Mofokeng continues to focus on his development at Pirates, with his sights firmly set on reaching football’s biggest stages in the near future.