Orlando Pirates are in the midst of planning for the upcoming season, focusing on the composition of their squad and identifying players who will continue to don the Buccaneers' jersey, the Siya crew investigates.
Among those set to stay is midfielder Makhahleni Makhaula, whose contract renewal has been the subject of speculation, as previously reported by Soccer Laduma.
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Siya sources have now indicated that the 34-year-old midfielder is now close to wrapping up an additional year with Pirates.
The sources have added that any decision to extend Makhaula's contract by a year could be influenced by his age and his commendable performances post-injury.
"As for Makhahleni (Makhaula) is as good as done. Everything has gone very well with the talks and he has been given another year. I think they took into consideration his age as well. But the good thing is that he has also been doing good for himself after returning from injury," said the Siya source.
"He is in the staring line up for most of the games and the technical team believes in him. So, for now it's a one-year extension for Makhaula," the source concluded.
The club is also evaluating the contracts of other players set to expire at the end of the season in June, indicating a broader review of the squad's composition, as noted by a second Siya source.
"Makhaula's situation is not an isolated one as the clubs are looking at all the other players whose contracts are almost over. But for now they have dealt with Makhaula and his deal for a new year extension is as good as done. It will run from July 1 this year until June 30, 2025. The rest will be dealt with at that stage again," the source concluded.
Makhaula, who joined Pirates in January 2023, had a challenging first season with the club, playing a few games before sustaining an injury. However, upon recovery this season, he has made significant contributions, mostly as part of the starting lineup.
A potential contract extension for Makhaula would underscore Pirates' strategy of maintaining a blend of experience and youth within their squad as they aim to strengthen their team for the continental challenges ahead.
As the club continues to assess the contracts of other players, the focus remains on building a competitive and cohesive unit for next season.
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