TS Galaxy’s chairman, Tim Sukazi, recently made headlines with a comment that seemed to take a subtle jab at Orlando Pirates and one of their standout players, Relebohile Mofokeng.
The remarks came as Sukazi confirmed the departure of one of his key players, Samukelo Kabini, who is set to join Norwegian club Molde.
Kabini’s Move to Molde
Kabini, a product of Orlando Pirates’ development system, made a name for himself after joining TS Galaxy.
At just 21 years old, the left-sided centre-back, who is also capable of playing as a left-back, quickly became an integral part of Galaxy’s defensive line.
His solid performances in Mbombela earned him a spot in Hugo Broos’ preliminary squad for the Bafana Bafana squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Though Kabini did not make the final 23-man squad for the World Cup qualifiers, his future remains bright.
Sukazi confirmed that Kabini was finalizing his deal with Molde, a club known for its recent success, including back-to-back league titles and participation in the UEFA Champions League.
The deal is set to be one of TS Galaxy’s biggest, with reports indicating a transfer fee of R15 million, a record for the club.
Sukazi’s Comments on the Transfer
Sukazi, speaking to SABC Sport, expressed his pride in the deal, highlighting that it marked a new milestone for TS Galaxy.
“Yes, Samukelo Kabini has signed for Molde FK. It’s a transfer fee in euros for starters, and we’ve never done a transfer of this nature.
It becomes a record transfer. But I’d hate to say that because there should be no limit.
The quality should dictate the price, and Kabini’s quality proves this.
We have transformed boys into men, and this is good for the country,” Sukazi remarked.
However, Sukazi’s comments seemed to also carry a pointed message directed at Orlando Pirates and their star player Mofokeng.
Sly Dig at Orlando Pirates and Relebohile Mofokeng
In a statement that could be seen as a sly dig at Pirates, Sukazi remarked on the contrast between his club’s approach and that of other clubs in South Africa.
“It is clear what type of club he will be joining, and we are happy with that.
I am sure it also indicated to many that as TS Galaxy, we have become the university of football by producing untested talent at the highest level.
We are now taking on bigger leagues by sending players straight to Europe,” Sukazi said.
He continued with a subtle criticism aimed at the way Orlando Pirates handled Mofokeng’s trial at Barcelona, referencing rumors that were spread about the player’s potential move.
“I will make an example with the young boy at Orlando Pirates, Relebohile Mofokeng.
A lot was made about Barcelona, but did you see Barcelona commenting? It’s probably one of these irresponsible journalists who started the story.
I have never seen Barcelona writing that they want Mofokeng, and with that, you put the boy under unnecessary pressure.
It’s not right because now every time he plays, he is being compared to Lamine Yamal,” Sukazi stated.
Is Sukazi’s Critique Valid?
Sukazi’s comments have sparked debate. Mofokeng, who was reportedly in trials at Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers last season, has also seen his name mentioned in connection with top European clubs like Barcelona.
However, Sukazi’s statement raises an interesting point about the responsibility of clubs and the media when handling young players’ futures.
While the criticism of how Pirates managed the Mofokeng situation might be seen as valid by some, others may view Sukazi’s comments as a cheeky dig at a rival club.
The question now remains whether Kabini’s move to Molde is a smart move for his career and whether Sukazi’s pointed remarks will have any lasting impact on the rivalry between TS Galaxy and Orlando Pirates.
What do you think about Sukazi’s comments? Do you think his approach is a good one for player development, or does it raise some concerns? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.