Today’s Orlando Pirates transfer wrap looks at Relebohile Mofokeng, a new teenage prodigy and a huge mistake made with Lyle Foster.
Pirates fumbled a massive bag on Foster
Burnley paid €7m upfront for Lyle Foster in January 2023, with a further €4m of add-ons triggered because of their promotion to the EPL. Foster’s move amounted to something approaching a staggering R225 million. One of the existing cash-rich EPL sides might be keen to take a punt on Foster’s fighting qualities, especially at a price around €13 million (R280 million). It makes you think, could Pirates have held out for more than the €1.2 million they received for him in 2019? Also, why didn’t they put a sell-on clause into that deal? Typically, sell-on clauses hover around the 10-20% mark. If Foster’s move to Burnley was approximately R232 million, 20% of that would equal R46.4 million. That’s quite an easy payday which the Orlando Pirates board overlooked.
Orlando Pirates have a new teen prodigy in their midst
It seems ridiculous to discuss the ‘next Mofokeng’ given that the original Mofokeng is still only 20 and not close to being the finished article. However, there is a name we should be watching closely.
“There is an exciting player who has been signed by Orlando Pirates, and soon people will be talking about him. His name is Rethabile Ramontoeli, and he plays as a winger and as an attacking midfielder. He is the next Relebohile Mofokeng, that one, I can promise you,” a source told Soccer Laduma.
Orlando Pirates must plan for real life after Rele
Relebohile Mofokeng has racked up a staggering 41 appearances in the 2024-2025 season across all competitions. Arguably the club’s most important operator, he’s produced 10 goals and 13 assists in those matches. It’s a stellar output for any player, let alone one who’s just exited his teens. Is there a succession plan for he inevitably leaves for a wealthier league abroad? Money can buy good players, but some stars are priceless. Pirates have unearthed a new teenager, but he’s unlikely to make an impact for some time.
How much is Relebohile Mofokeng worth in today’s market?
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