DStv Premiership giants Orlando Pirates have some big decisions to make. Siyabonga Mpontshane may be leaving.
Orlando Pirates‘ goalkeeping department is likely to look different next season. New reports from Soccer Laduma suggest Siyabonga Mpontshane may move to Polokwane City. The 38-year-old player’s contract is ending on 30 June.
SIYABONGA MPONTSHANE TO LEAVE ORLANDO PIRATES FOR POLOKWANE CITY?
Now a true veteran, Mpontshane signed for the Sea Robbers in 2015 from the former Rustenburg-based club Platinum Stars. The former Nathi Lions goalkeeper was a relative number one but steady number two before the signings of Richard Ofori, Sipho Chaine and Melusi Buthelezi. With 34 cleansheets in 88 games for Orlando Pirates, Mpontshane is likely to be released when he deal ends on 30 June, aftersigning a 12-month extension at the start of the season.
TSHEGOFATSO MABASA TO LEAVE?
In other Orlando Pirates news, hot striker Tshegofatso Mabasa may be lost to bigger things. His agent has revealed talks with FCSB in Romania. Additionally, Mamelodi Sundowns also lurk since signing Thembinkosi Lorch this season.
The 27-year-old striker from Botshabelo, Bloemfontein shone bright in the first half of the season on loan at Moroka Swallows. Mabasa scored 6 goals in 15 games before Orlando Pirates recalled him. Three months later, Mabasa is on 14 goals and three assists.
Speaking to the media after the Orlando Pirates star’s golden spell as the DStv Premiership top goalscorer, Mabasa’s agent, Gary Cassisa, has confirmed the former Bloemfontein Celtic and Grey College star is a wanted man. Cassisa has told FARPost that Mabasa is wanted by Siyabonga Ngezana’s Romanian club FCSB, several unnamed clubs in Europe, while Sundowns are also circling after nearly signing the Orlando Pirates striker in January.
“The best advice I have given him is to put his head down and get the goals. One goal per game will leave him with a better chance of winning the Golden Boot and also to score more and achieve the same in the Nedbank Cup.
The Orlando Pirates player’s agent continued to add: “At this point, his decision has to be considerate of his future as a player considering his age. Sundowns have the financial muscles to get him. But a chance at playing in the Champions League is not easy to resist.
“FSCB want him. They are on top in the Super Liga and are likely to be playing in the UEFA Champions League. At the moment, I’m also talking to other clubs in Europe. But the idea is to help him keep his calm until the season is over.