With his current contract set to expire at the end of June, Kaizer Chiefs' skillful midfielder George Matlou has had his say over hopes for the future.
Signed at the start of the 2022/23 season as part of a three-man package that included Dillan Solomons and Kamohelo Mahlatsi, Matlou has so far failed to live up to the potential that made him one of the country's most in-demand footballers.
Even if injuries have meant less game-time than he would have hoped for.
READ | Chiefs to bolster squad? New face spotted at the Village
The 26-year-old's initial contract ended last season and was renewed for a further year, meaning it will expire again at the end of June.
At the core of his troubles has been his misfortune with injuries. When fit, Matlou has shown his class as one of the side's more creative players.
The Soweto-born star only returned to action in January but has been limited to just 15 appearances so far, including in the Nedbank Cup final victory over rivals Orlando Pirates on May 10.
He was an unused substitute in the previous Saturday's Soweto Derby defeat in the league.
Ultimately, Amakhosi have a tough call to make: to keep a player with clear potential but may miss chunks of the season due to injuries, or to cut their losses and invest their resources elsewhere?
From the player's side, it's all been left to divine intervention.
"Yes, my contract is coming to an end this coming June," confirms Matlou.
"But I am going to leave that to God, as I said, because I am one person who grew up in church. So, I will give everything to God.
"Of course, most definitely to the technical team, to everyone, to the board and staff, to give me an opportunity if they do. It's football, but I'm not going to plan for the future now.
"My focus now is to win Saturday's game to get into the Top Eight.
READ | Zwane sets record straight on Downs and Bafana future
"As a player, I'm only focusing on the game, so the last game we are going to play is on Saturday. So, what will happen next [with regards to my contract] is for the club and the agent, so I will hear from the agent.
"I'm one player who does not talk to the agent while the season is on. So I'm focused on the team that I am playing for currently. If I'm going to start thinking about contracts and stuff, I'm going to lose concentration for the game," details the dribbling wizard.
Chiefs take on Polokwane City at FNB Stadium on Saturday (15:00).
