Orlando Pirates have reportedly made a decision on the future of experienced striker Ndumiso Mabena.
Mabena rejoined Pirates last year in December after an unpleasant exit at KwaZulu-Natal side Royal AM.
At the time of Mabena’s arrival, Pirates struggled in front of goal and subsequently, the club also brought in a striker’s coach in Scott Chickelday, who worked at Tottenham Hotspur.
As a result of Chickelday’s work behind the scenes, Pirates attackers fired on all cylinders last season with the striker’s coach leaving the club in January 2023.
However, Mabena did not see any action as competition for places at Pirates saw him relegated to the stands. Coach Jose Riveiro preferred to use the likes of Kermit Erasmus and Terrence Dvukamanja up front.
Mabena is also down the pecking order behind Souaibou Marou, Evidence Makgopa and Bienvenu Eva Nga.
The 36-year-old made a single appearance in the just-ended season against Mamelodi Sundowns in a league clash four months ago. He came off the bench to play the last 15 minutes.
MABENA NOT IN RIVEIRO’S PLANS
This was an indication that Mabena, who is one of the most experienced forwards in the PSL was not in Jose Riveiro’s plans.
It has now emerged that Pirates are on the verge of releasing Mabena, six months into his contract with the club.
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According to SABC Sport, Pirates have decided against triggering Mabena’s
contract “with the deadline on the agreement to extend it for one more year until June 2024 having lapsed.”
Ndumiso Mabena had re-joined Pirates on a one-and-a-half-year deal. However, the public broadcaster stated that the additional season was a clause the club would trigger at their discretion.
It is said that Pirates have decided against exercising the option, which means that Mabena is heading towards the exit door.
The veteran attacker scored eight goals and provided four assists in his first stint at Pirates between 2009 and 2014.
He won two league titles with the club before joining Platinum Stars and later Bloemfontein Celtic.