Orlando Pirates are actively working to determine the futures of several key players, including their primary goalkeeper, the Siya crew has been informed.
According to insiders privy to information, contracts for goalkeeper Sipho Chaine and midfielders Miguel Timm, Phillip Ndlondlo, and Makhehlene Makhaula are set to expire at the season's end.
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The club is reportedly crafting a strategy to decide which players may be retained and which should be released.
Insiders added that certain players have already received offers for contract extensions, while discussions for the others are still pending.
"It's hard for the team to make the decisions now. For Sipho (Chaine) and Makhehlene (Makhaula) it looks not that difficult. The main issue is with the others. You know Timm they just gave him one year in July this year and it seems they are not ready to renew it again," said the Siya source.
"With Ndlondlo the competition in his position together with Timm is what is making it difficult. Of course they want to keep Sipho and Makhaula and both have been offered new contracts already though nothing has been finalised at the moment. That's the headache the team is facing. They are sweating over who they will keep and who they will release. But they are working on that," the source added.
Additionally, a second insider stated that the club is pleased with the pairing of Thalente Mbatha and Makhaula, which has recently strengthened the team.
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"Since last season Makhaula has been the key defensive midfielder and with the arrival of Mbatha things fell apart for Timmy and Ndlondlo and that's why their futures are believed to be in doubt at the club. And that's what's putting management and the technical team in a tight corner to make the decision as their contracts are coming to an end in June 2025. That's what they are trying to work on right now," the second insider stated.
Chaine and Makhaula have been regular players this season, while Ndlondlo and Timm have seen limited game time. Though, the Siya crew understands Timm already has an option on his contract which means Bucs may take their time to make a final decision.
As Pirates navigate this critical period of contract negotiations, their decisions will shape the team's future direction. Balancing player retention with squad needs, the club looks to build a competitive roster while considering the individual contributions of players. The coming months will be crucial in determining the path forward for both the team and its players.
Soccer Laduma contacted Pirates for comment but the club had not responded by the time this report was published.
