Pirates take HUGE transfer gamble, Mofokeng move also debated

Has Mofokeng made the right move?

It’s believed that Orlando Pirates recouped around R75 million for their prized asset Rele Mofokeng. It’s difficult to say with certainty if now is the right time to sell, although the 21-year-old did sparkle at the right time while the world watched. Could Pirates have attracted a wealthier suitor, though, and fetched a bigger fee? Money in the bank is all good and well, but players like Mofokeng don’t grow on trees.

Why are Orlando Pirates letting go of Sesane?

In a somewhat surprising turn of events, Pirates have elected to release central defender Thabiso Sesane. The 26-year-old was a mainstay in the first half of the 2024-25 campaign, but a serious injury in 2025-26 meant that he didn’t make a single league appearance in Pirates’ title-winning campaign. He also managed only 13 outings in the season prior. Have the board exercised some tough love and decided that Sesane won’t be able to get back to his best?

What’s happening at the World Cup?

After another dramatic evening in the World Cup, the quarter-final lineup is complete. Defending champions Argentina survived an almighty scare, coming from 2-0 down with 11 minutes on the clock, to eventually beat Egypt in a thriller. The great Lionel Messi was at the forefront, as he usually is, missing a penalty on 21 minutes but atoning spectacularly with an assist for Cristian Romero’s 79th-minute goal and then a goal of his own on 83 minutes. Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez completed the stunning comeback in stoppage time. Switzerland beat Colombia on penalties after a goalless 120 minutes to set up a quarter-final with Messi’s merry men.

• Thu 9 July: France vs Morocco, 22:00 kickoff
• Fri 10 July: Spain vs Belgium, 21:00 kickoff
• Sat 11 July, Norway vs England, 23:00 kickoff
• Sun 12 July, Argentina vs Switzerland, 03:00 kickoff