Orlando Pirates to release FOUR players end of season

Orlando Pirates are set to release four underutilised players by the end of the season to make room for new signings.

Kaizer Chiefs reportedly interested in Zakhele Lepasa of Orlando Pirates. Image: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

Orlando Pirates are reportedly set to release four players, including their captain Innocent Maela.

The 32-year-old Maela has hardly played this season, only making three league appearances. With his contract set to expire, the man from Witbank might leave the Buccaneers after eight years.

According to Soccer Laduma, Maela is one of the four Orlando Pirates players set to be released end of the season.

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 Soccer Laduma 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.”

Four players to make way at Orlando Pirates

The Buccaneers have failed to sign new players in the January transfer window, which might be the reason why the club went through a bad patch. The Sea Robbers lost three league matches this year, which saw them go 15 points behind Mamelodi Sundowns.

It remains to be seen if the club can challenge for the league in the coming matches. The four Orlando Pirates that are set to leave have not really featured this season and it’s unlikely Jose Riveiro will call upon them. The Buccaneers play MC Algers in the CAF Champions League first leg quarter-final next Tuesday in Algeria.