DStv Premiership side Chippa United have opened talks over exciting winger Azola Matrose ahead of the 2023/24 season.
The South Africa youth international was signed by Orlando Pirates before the start of the 2022/23 season.
However, Pirates agreed to loan the 20-year-old back to Chippa so he could further develop.
The national Under 23 winger has featured 16 times for the Chilli Boys this season, scoring twice in the process.
Pirates have been monitoring his progress, like they did with Evidence Makgopa after a similar arrangement last season.
Makgopa signed for Pirates at the start of the 2021/22 season, but the spent the entire season with the Limpopo side. Following their relegation, the Bafana Bafana forward then joined the Soweto giants.
Chippa have started engaging the Buccaneers on the player with intentions to keep him for yet another season.
The indications are that Matrose is set for another spell in the Eastern Cape next season.
“Pirates are open to Matrose spending another season on loan. Chippa have also shown interest in keeping the player, and he is happy to remain there,” a source told SN24.
“They want him to gain the necessary experience so that when he comes back, he can fit into the team and play. There has never been any doubt about his talents.”
Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has several experienced options in his position, including the likes of Thembinkosi Lorch, Deon Hotto, Vincent Pule and Monnapule Saleng.
It means his chances of getting regular game time at Pirates may be limited hence the decision to keep him in Eastern Cape.
READ:National Under 23 attacking trio set to join Orlando Pirates
Azola Matrose joined the Chippa Mpengesi-owned side in July 2021 after an excellent Engen Knockout Challenge, which saw him terrorising defenders in Eastern Cape.
He then made his debut as an 18-year-old in September 2021 when the Eastern Cape-based side visited Royal AM at Chatsworth.
The Gqeberha-born player had a very impressive season, even though he might not have had a high goal contribution. The dribbling wizard managed to score only one goal and grab one assist in the 14 appearances he made for Chippa.
Pirates announced the signing of the youngster alongside Cameroonian forward Bienvenu Eva Nga, Miguel Timm & Evidence Makgopa.