Eyebrows were raised after Orlando Pirates forward Relebohile Mofokeng was criticized against Polokwane City, amidst rumours linking him with overseas clubs.
Mofokeng has been very focused on his game since reports of clubs interested in him surfaced two seasons ago, elevating his performances even further.
After two full season, where the 20-year-old has been arguably the most standout and consistent performer at The Buccaneers, rumours of clubs bidding for his services has intensified.
The departure of Mohau Nkota, his close friend and peer, to Saudi Arabian club Al Ettifaq, has made speculation on his future much more prominent and ironically, Ettifaq are one of the clubs who have made bids for Mofokeng's signature, according to the rumour mill.
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In their MTN8 quarter-final fixture against Polokwane City, the Soweto giants had three new signings, Sipho Mbule, Sihle Nduli and Oswin Appollis, who were all impressive, judging by the reaction from fans and pundits.
Mofokeng, however, who was one of the nominees for Footballer of the Season and Players' Player of the Season, had a subdued performance, according to pundits.
The Bafana Bafana forward, in one moment, made an error that almost resulted in City finding the back of the net, as his back pass was intercepted by striker Levy Mashiane, whose shot flashed wide.
According to former Kaizer Chiefs and Pirates attacker Jabu Mahlangu, Mofokeng was not himself against Rise and Shine.
"Rele today we spoke, his body language (he was not in the game), he doesn't make mistakes like this, where he takes the ball, try to dribble two players, facing his own goal," Mahlangu said on SABC Sport's Laduma.
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"That's a dangerous thing to do, Levy Mashiane, luckily there was a defender in front of him. Moving forward, against a better quality team, Pirates will be punished with such mistakes," Mahlangu added.