Orlando Pirates may have made waves in the transfer market with an impressive 11 signings, but it’s the names they didn’t land that are now making headlines.
Despite strengthening their squad with talents like Oswin Appollis and Tshepang Moremi, a couple of top-tier targets have slipped through their fingers.
Fiston Mayele and Fawaaz Basadien Deals Hit a Wall
Two big names — Fiston Mayele and Fawaaz Basadien — are no longer on the Pirates’ radar, as both players are edging closer to moves elsewhere.
Basadien, who has been strongly linked with Mamelodi Sundowns, didn’t show up for Stellenbosch’s training session, sparking more rumours that his next stop is Pretoria.
As for Mayele, the Pyramids striker might be leaving on a high after helping his team clinch their first-ever CAF Champions League title.
But according to Egyptian sports journalist Ahmed Shobeir, Mayele is eager to leave the club after receiving a big-money offer from Saudi Arabia.
“I asked Pyramids officials about Fiston Mayele, and they told me he’s probably leaving,” Shobeir shared.
“He got a very attractive offer from Saudi Arabia, and he’s pushing for the move.
The club didn’t want to lose him, but he’s made up his mind.”
Relebohile Mofokeng’s Future Still Up in the Air
While Mayele and Basadien’s stories seem close to being wrapped up, the same can’t be said for Relebohile Mofokeng.
The young Pirates star has several clubs circling — PSV Eindhoven, Al Ahly, and FC Cincinnati among them — but nothing concrete has materialised yet.
His father, Sechaba Mofokeng, hasn’t been shy about where he hopes his son will end up.
“My dream is to see Rele playing in Europe in the 2025/26 season,” Sechaba said.
“I pray for it every day. I really don’t want to see him playing another season in the local league.”
Sechaba clearly believes in his son’s talent, mentioning that he could thrive in places like Spain, England, or France — but one destination he’s not thrilled about is Saudi Arabia.
“Not yet. He’s still young. He needs that UEFA competition experience.
Money’s great, but if he’s not happy, what’s the point?”
Can the Buccaneers Cope Without Mofokeng?
With key transfer targets slipping away and Mofokeng’s future uncertain, Orlando Pirates may find themselves in a challenging position heading into the new season.
The question is: will they thrive without one of their brightest stars?