Thlone dimisses Orlando Pirates link

DEFENDER Bokang Thlone says there is no truth to the reports that he signed pre-contract agreements with both Bidvest Wits and Orlando Pirates.

It has been common knowledge that back in January the Free State Stars left-back penned an agreement with the Clever Boys that he would join the club ahead of the 2017/18 campaign.

A recent report in the media claimed however that Thlone also signed an agreement with Pirates and that a dispute was looming.

But there has been no direct evidence of this, and the player himself denies any wrongdoing.

“I don’t know where this speculation is coming from and who is writing these stories that I signed with Pirates.

“I am a Bidvest Wits player and I am looking forward to start training with the club” the 26-year-old was quoted as saying by KickOff.

Wits CEO Jose Ferreira also believes the reports linking Thlone to Pirates are no more than media speculation.

“I can only comment on what I know. Which is that we signed a pre-contract with him on January 4,” he told the TimesLive website. “Prior to signing that contract with him we notified Free State Stars that we were entering into negotiations with their player‚ as is required in terms of the rules.

“And I’ve spoken to Pirates’ (administrative manager) Floyd Mbele‚ who assured me that there is no such contract signed by them with the player. I can only take it from Floyd as to what he says it is.”

Meanwhile Wits confirmed the arrival of Bafana Bafanacapped midfielder Daylon Claasen from German outfit 1860 Munich, while it’s expected they will sign central midfielder Thamsanqa Sangweni from Chippa United. – African News Agency