OREBONYE HIGHLY SOUGHT-AFTER
The Morocan giants are reportedly also struggling to convince and tie down Botswana’s top-marksman Tumisang ‘Teenage’ Orebonye to a new deal with his current contract running out in June next year.
OCK are experiencing a trying start to the 2022/2023 Botola Pro season and are yet to register a win this season with reports of financial predicaments parading the coffers of the club.
The club however is reportedly unwilling to let go of the former Gaborone United and Township Rollers goal poacher and Sun Sports has gathered that the club’s
initial offer to extend the striker’s contract has been rejected.
“They did put an offer on the table but my representatives turned it down as it is believed it is below our valuation. Negotiations are ongoing between my representatives and the club, they have shown trust and confidence in my abilities, the idea is to have the situation sorted out before the World Cup starts, so we’ll see,” Orebonye told Sun Sport.
“I’m keen to remain with the club, they know what I want; I know what they want, after turning down a few offers for my services ahead of this season, I believe they are in a better situation to understand the expectations regarding the new deal,” he added.
OCK signed the trio of Orebonye, Kabelo Seakanyeng and Simisane Mathumo in a three year deal back in 2020, although Mathumo’s stay was cut short following struggles with injury.
Orebonye and Seakanyeng however formed a formidable attacking partnership which was a massive contribution to the club’s survival in the Moroccan top-flight league last season.
The club has already extended Seakanyeng’s contract until 2024 and immediately loaned him to Emirates Dada Furuijah club, where he has made only two appearances.
Moroccan giants and the current champions of Africa, Wydad Casablanca, according to reliable sources tabled an offer in the region of P4 Million for the striker ahead of the current campaign and it was turned down by OCK, in fact, the club’s asking prize for the bullish striker was said to be around P6 million.
With his contract coming to an end, Orebonye will be allowed to negotiate and possibly sign a pre-contract with a club of his choice in January and sadly for OCK, he will leave for free, hence the club’s strong push to sign a deal before the January transfer window.
At least two top sides in the Botola Pro League are following the developments with keen interest as they explore possibilities to have the signature of the striker.
Orebonye scored seven (7) goals and provided five (5) assists in his maiden appearance in the league but it has not been an ideal start for him as he is yet to open his scoring account for this season.
South Africa’s Premier Soccer clubs are also following Orebonye’s progress and enquiries have been made to his representatives after Bafana Bafana’s 1-nil victory over Botswana in the last FIFA break.
It is OCK’s second season back in the main league, and as it stands, they look set to be in a relegation fight with their results continuing to worsen.
The league will go on a break for the World Cup with Morocco set to compete in the tournament.