Pirated to make Mabokgwane decision

Orlando Pirates are yet to make a decision on goalkeeper Jackson Mabokgwane’s contract, with indications that the club will be reshuffling their goalkeeping department ahead of the 2019/20 campaign.

Mabokgwane has entered into the last five months of the threeyear contract that he signed with Bucs on his arrival at the club from Mpumalanga Black Aces in 2016 and, up to this point in time, there has been no indication from Bucs if the 31-year-old shot-stopper will be given an extended deal with the So- weto giants.

He is competing for a starting place l in Bucs’ line-ups with Siyabonga Mpontshane, Wayne Sandilands and Brilliant Khuzwayo, who is yet to make his official debut for the team. Mpontshane has been selected between the sticks for the most part of this season, though Mabokgwane has received some game time - most notably in the CAF Champions League.

Sandilands, however, has made a push for the number one jersey in recent times. He made a return to Mi- lutin l ti Sredojevic’sSdji’ side id against i t EsperE ance in the Champions League two weeks ago and started in the Soweto Derby against Chiefs last weekend.

Indications are that Pirates will be making changes to the keeper department, though at this point in time they are yet to make a decision on who will be leaving, and it remains to be seen if Mabokgwane is offered a new deal.

Contacted for comment, Mabokgwane’s agent, Jazzman Mahlakgane,

told the Siya crew that the aim will be to contact Bucs later this month about the player’s future.

“I think we should be engaging with the club in a month or so. It is important to give the club enough time to decide what they want to do,” said Mahlakgane.