Chabalala keen on Pirates return despite contract ending
News reaching the Siya crew is that Justice Chabalala has made up his mind and wants to return to Orlando Pirates at the end of the season as opposed to staying with Bloemfontein Celtic.
The defender initially joined the Free State club in January last year, on loan from Pirates, and after impressing in the team, Celtic extended the loan spell at the start of the 2020/21 campaign.
The centre-back has made 12 appearances in all domestic competitions this season for the Mangaung-based outfit, to date, and Celtic are interested in signing the player on a permanent deal at the end of the season.
However, sources close to the 29-year-old Giyani-born defender have indicated that the player is not keen on making his stay with Celtic permanent. Indications are that he prefers to return to Orlando and assess if the club is willing to negotiate a new deal with him.
“Justice Chabalala isn’t keen on signing a permanent deal with Bloemfontein Celtic. He wants to go back to Pirates. Celtic is interested in him to sign a permanent deal, but he feels that he’s got unfinished business with
Pirates and would like to go there and fight for a place in the team,” said a source.
Pirates, however, will have to make a decision on the player’s future as his contract with the club is nearing its expire date. Chabalala’s Pirates contract will end on June 30.
During his time with the Buccaneers, Chabalala struggled for game-time, which led to his loan spells at Chippa United and Celtic, respectively. He has been on the club’s books for more than four years, having joined in 2016 from Free State Stars.