Initial proposal rejected in Pirates’ Motshwari talks?

News reaching the Siya crew is that no agreement has been reached between Orlando Pirates and Ben Motshwari with his contract negotiations.

It was reported in last week’s edition of Soccer Laduma, issue 1309, that talks between Motshwari and the Buccaneers have been initiated as the midfielder approaches the expiry of his existing contract with the club.

The 31-year-old is in the last four months of his existing deal and indications are that the Soweto giants are keen on extending his spell beyond the five years, having arrived at the club from the nowdefunct Bidvest Wits in 2018.

However, insiders have indicated to the Siya crew that the negotiations are dragging…

“The negotiations are ongoing but are dragging after the club rejected the initial offer from the player’s camp,” said a source.

“It remains to be seen what the club will eventually decide on, but there is interest to keep the player beyond the current season on a new deal. However, all the parties will have to be happy for it to happen and that’s where the negotiations are currently at.

“The next few weeks will be crucial in deciding the player’s future, and as things stand, he is focused on getting as many minutes as he possibly can on the field in the remaining matches of the season,” the source concluded.

Motshwari was a notable absentee from Bucs’ matchday squad as coach Jose Riveiro’s side lost 1-0 against defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday at Orlando Stadium.

According to sources, the Randfontein-born star’s situation at the Soweto giants is being closely monitored by some of their opponents in the DStv Premiership with interest.