Interest in Matlaba escalates

The Siya crew has established that Orlando Pirates defender Thabo Matlaba, who’s not been in the picture much at the club this season, is still a wanted man.

Sources have informed the crew that Maritzburg United are the latest club to have asked about his services, a request that was made by newly appointed coach Eric Tinkler. In fact, the 31-year-old versatile player is understood to have been on the verge of joining the Midlands outfit in the final hours of the Premier Soccer League’s transfer deadline day – on January 31.

But he was instead included in Pirates’ CAF Champions League squad to provide cover in case there is an injury to one of the key players, which came as a huge surprise. Matlaba’s ability to play anywhere on the pitch became an advantage when coach Micho Sredojevic considered which three players to add to a list of 27 that was submitted to CAF at the start of the tournament.

The Siya crew has previously reported on interest from SuperSport United and Kaizer Chiefs, who have both been monitoring his situation very closely. Matlaba’s contract with the Buccaneers comes to an end in June, which means he is allowed to sign a pre-contract with a team of his choice at any point.

It’s unclear whether his inclusion in the Champions League squad has given him hope that Pirates could still want to keep him. But seeing that he is yet to play for the club since October 6 last year, Maritzburg – if they avoid relegation – will most likely renew their interest at the end of the season.