Mabaso’s future in Pirates’ hands

According to Siya sources in the know, Orlando Pirates are set to make a decision on the future of defender Abel Mabaso in the coming days.

Mabaso is amongst a host of players who will see their contracts with the Buccaneers come to an end in June, and it remains to be seen whether Pirates decide on extending the player’s spell.

Mabaso joined the club on a threeyear-deal from Chippa United in 2018 and found the going tough, making just four appearances in his debut season under then coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic.

The 29-year-old then experienced a change in fortunes. First when Rhulani Mokwena took over from Micho on an interim basis, following the latter’s shock departure to Zamalek, and then when Josef Zinnbauer took over from Mokwena in December 2019.

Largely deployed as a right back, Mabaso made 17 appearances for Pirates under both Mokwena and Zinnbauer during the 2019/20 season and helped the Buccaneers to a third place league finish.

However, Mabaso’s current season has been ravaged by an ulna wrist injury, which has seen him make just a solitary appearance for Zinnbauer’s side, resulting in the likes of Wayde Jooste and Thabiso Monyane being handed a chance.

Pirates have revealed that the player has been making steady recovery and is expected to rejoin his teammates on the training field in the near future.

According to information made available to the crew, Pirates have an option on Mabaso’s deal, but with the defender’s injury concerns, it remains to be seen whether they take up that option at the end of the season.