Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Siyabonga Mpontshane's future at the club is up for discussion, as he has entered the final six months of his current contract.
Mpontshane has been a trusted shot-stopper at Pirates, even though he has not been an out-right number one over the years but his performances has come under criticism lately, which coincides with the imminent expiry of his current deal.
As reported in edition 1306 of Soccer Laduma, the Buccaneers are yet to officially open talks with Mpontshane's camp to map a way forward regarding his future.
The Siya crew understands that despite criticism from some section of the supporters of Mpontshane's performances, the Sea Robbers will not be swayed by public opinion in deciding the fate of the former Platinum Stars goalkeeper beyond June 2023.
Read: Chiefs Identify Two Key Transfer Priority Areas
Pirates, it's understood, will consider all factors before making a decision in whether to engage Mpontshane over a new deal or not.
Soccer Laduma looks at the factors that could influence the Buccaneers' decision over the veteran goalkeeper's future.
Whether Pirates would sign an experienced goalkeeper
The Siya crew previously reported that the Soweto giants were initially keen on signing Ronwen Williams while he was at SuperSport United and made an official bid for his services but they were not successful.
The Sea Robbers subsequently turned their attention to AmaZulu goalkeeper Veli Mothwa and looked to entice him away from the club with his contract expiring last season.
However, the Bafana Bafana number two shot-stopper eventually signed a long-term deal at the Durban-based and Pirates will have to pay a significant transfer fee to prize him away from Usuthu.
Richard Ofori's injuries
Ofori has struggled with a spate of injuries in recent years, the last of which made him to miss out in Ghana's squad for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
If the former Maritzburg United goalkeeper's fitness issues persist, Pirates could be more inclined to hold onto Mpontshane as the experienced shot-stopper apart from the Ghanaian.
New goalkeeper signing Sipho Chaine is still learning his trade and so is recently promoted and uncapped Kopano Thuntsane.
Read: 6 Players Tipped To Carry Chiefs' Hopes
Future in technical team
Mpontshane is one of the long-serving members at Pirates having being at the club since 2015 and if the club wants to reward him with a role in the technical team, in the goalkeeping department, once he retires, that could also affect their reasoning on whether to keep him a little longer at the club or not.
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