The recently married Orlando Pirates captain, Innocent Maela, is one of four players on the brink of being released by the Soweto giants.
“So far, the four players [Maela, Phillip Ndlondlo, Karim Kimvuidi and Zakhele Lepasa] are on the list and are expected to leave at the end of the season,” a source confirmed.
“What I can tell you for now, apparently, is that it’s believed these four players could be the ones to leave. The club is working with all the involved parties to look at the way forward so that they can reach an amicable solution where it is needed.”
A Maela departure would be the end of an era at Orlando Pirates, who will lose one of their current longest-serving players – the 32-year-old signed in 2017 from Richard’s Bay. His exit will also mean selecting a new leader to don the Buccaneer’s armband.
Pirates youngster wants Europe
Orlando Pirates latest graduate, Siyabonga Ndlozi, has expressed his desire to play in Europe, prompting speculation of an early exit for the 22-year-old, who has made four league appearances in his debut season.
“That’s how high he is aiming, believe it or not Siyabonga Ndlozi. He is a very confiedent player and his dream is to player overseas,” SoccerLaduma revealed.
“The first move was to break into the Pirates first-team, and now that has been achieved, he is working on cementing his place in the team to boost his chances of a European move.”
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