Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has revealed his stance on the speculation surrounding the future of Relebohile Mofokeng.
The Soweto giants are preparing to face Sekhukhune United in their Betway Premiership season opener at Orlando Stadium on Saturday, hot on the heels of an MTN8 quarterfinals win over Polokwane City.
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Key to their endeavours this term will be Mofokeng, among others. He has bagged the PSL Young Player of the Season award for a second season running but has been surrounded by talk of a likely move away from the club.
Speaking at the launch of the Betway Premiership on Tuesday, Ouaddou could not give assurance that the 20-yearold will be a Buccaneers player for much longer but insisted he remains a key figure in his squad.
"Well, you know, I read this news as well. A talent like him will always attract a lot of clubs,” admitted the Moroccan tactician.
"But I trust my board, I trust the club, because definitely he is one of our major players this season and we need him.
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"To compete at the highest level, we need this kind of player in our team.
"As a coach, I am still confident, but in football, you never know. Still, I hope and believe he will stay with us. We will see," he added.
