The story behind the scenes

Not in Pirates’ plans?

Mlambo was very much a player recruited by Sredojevic and Mokwena to the club after it became evident that he was no longer part of Hunt’s plans at Wits - despite being a key figure in their league and cup double triumph at the end of the 2016/17 season. And walking straight into the Pirates line-up was testament to his influence and just how much the technical team at the time believed in his ability. Could it be that he fell out of favour with Mokwena later on and that has perhaps made it harder for Zinnbauer to immediately recognise what he offers? Mlambo had already been out of the picture when the German arrived, and his lack of competitive action could mean that he is missing that competitive edge a player gets from official games. Either way, the fact that he is yet to be part of the matchday squad since Zinnbauer’s arrival is now telling. There have been suggestions from insiders that Mokwena, during his brief tenure as interim coach, fell out of favour with some of the senior players and regulars – and indications are that Mlambo could have very well been among them.

Chiefs have always been keen

Siya sources have indicated to the crew that Amakhosi are monitoring Mlambo’s situation and could officially reignite their interest in the midfielder if his Pirates predicament does not improve!

It wouldn’t be the first time the Glamour Boys attempt to push to land his signature, having been keen on bringing him to Naturena prior to his switch to their Soweto rivals in January of 2018.

Reports that Chiefs had added Mlambo to their wishlist first emerged in November 2017 when the player was believed to be considering his options at the time, before eventually deciding on joining Pirates on a contract that is now expected to run out in June next year. To cross the floor to Amakhosi under those current terms is unlikely, but things would become simpler should Mlambo become a free agent or be in a position to sign a pre-contract in just over 11 months from now.

However, a lot can happen during that lengthy period, especially if Mlambo isn’t back in the picture by May, when the PSL rolls down the curtains on the league campaign.

There were several players who were in the dark about their futures at Pirates around this time last season, too, and the majority were either loaned out or offloaded on a permanent basis. If Mlambo has no prospects at Pirates, as popular as he is, the club could make a big decision.

Other PSL clubs will be alert…

Imagine a player the quality of Mlambo being available as a free agent! That will certainly increase his pool of potential suitors, with the likes of Sundowns and SuperSport becoming possible destinations.

While details of his salary package remain confidential, the midfielder won’t come cheap in terms of his personal demands, even if a transfer figure is not required. Seeing Pirates allow Mlambo’s contract run down without him playing any significant role at the club is a long shot, but it wouldn’t be the first time this sort of scenario plays out in the Premier Soccer League or at any of the traditional Big Three.

Both Sundowns and SuperSport have either lost players to other teams as free agents or recruited them under similar circumstances – so Mlambo would not be an exception.

The Tshwane giants are known to afford the big salaries and often on the prowl for players of Mlambo’s calibre.