Head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has responded to questions over the absence of twinkle-toed winger Relebohile Mofokeng during Orlando Pirates' 1-0 success over Orbit College FC on Tuesday.
Pirates made it two wins on the bounce when it comes to matters Betway Premiership as Lebone Seema's second-half long-range strike proved decisive against a determined Orbit at Orlando Stadium.
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However, it did not go unnoticed that young talisman Mofokeng did not make either the starting XI or the substitutes' bench on the evening. Instead, he watched on from the stands together with several of his teammates that were also not included in the matchday squad.
He is understood to have sustained a minor injury.
Speaking to media at the post-match press conference, Oaddou revealed only that he had been informed by the club's medical team that the 20-year-old could not feature.
"About Rele, I have to discuss with the medical department," revealed the Moroccan-Frenchman.
"They communicated to me that he cannot be part of the game, and we still don’t have full feedback on the exam that he should do.
"I hope it’s nothing serious because we need him."
Mofokeng was awarded the 2024/25 PSL Young Player of the Season award for the second campaign running. Deservedly so, as he contributed five goals and eight assists in the league last season.
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Those impressive statistics have turned him into a wanted man, and the Soweto giants are reported to have already turned down a late R35 million bid from MLS side Minnesota United for his signature with their transfer window deadline falling on Thursday last week.
Ouaddou will hope to have his the Sharpeville-born star back in action for the trip to Gqeberha to take on Chippa United on Sunday.
Photo: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images
