Orlando Pirates could be without Mbekezeli Mbokazi in arguably their most crucial section of the season.
The quadruple chasers, positioned twelve points behind league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, find themselves in the Champions League semi-finals, where they face Egyptian giants Pyramids, and Nedbank Cup final against Sowetan rivals Kaizer Chiefs.
Mbokazi, who has impressed with several Man of the Match performances since debuting against Chippa United on March 5, could miss Orlando Pirates’ next three league encounters and the Cup final after being selected for Bafana’s under-20 African Cup of Nations, which takes place from April 27 to May 18.
The Buccaneers, however, are entitled to withhold the 19-year-old phenom from travelling to the tournament – a decision is yet to be made.
Mofokeng heading out?
Bafana boss Hugo Broos believes this will be Relebohile Mofokeng’s last season in Orlando Pirates threads amid substantial foreign interest. The Soweto giants rejected a R25.8 million bid from Zamalek earlier this year, insinuating more offers to be incoming.
“Talking about Mofokeng, I just hope that he makes the right decisions. And that he is not going to a team where he won’t play,” Broos told iDiski Times.
“I see all the things around, Barcelona and Rangers and… (sighs) I’m a little bit afraid. I just hope that the people around make the choice of the best sportive solution and not the best financial solution.”
“Okay, I think his parents want the best for him, that’s for sure. But there is another guy who wants to win a lot of money also, but that’s the problem. But ok, let’s hope, maybe I talked too soon about that.”
“We’ll see. I think in June, Rele will not be a player of Orlando Pirates anymore, but a good choice is very important.”
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