Orlando Pirates have confirmed that veteran defender Asavela Mbekile has been released by the club.

The 33-year-old joined Pirates in July 2018 from rivals Mamelodi Sundowns and despite initially starting well at the club, The defender has struggled for game time this season and with an already bloated squad at the Soweto giants, they decided to left the player leave the club.

The club announced the news via a statement on their website which read, ‘Orlando Pirates Football Club can confirm the amicable parting of ways with Asavela Mbekile following a meeting between both parties earlier today.’

☠ Bucs and Mbekile Part Ways
🖥 https://t.co/vq4YUr0vH1
⚫⚪🔴⭐#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/wF7Yry5cSs

— Orlando Pirates FC (@orlandopirates) January 30, 2020

‘He, who joined the club in 2018 has been handed his clearance after asking to be released from his current contract.

‘The Club would like to thank Asavela for his contribution and particularly the professionalism he displayed during his time with us and we wish him all of the best in his future endeavors,’ the statement concluded.

The defender will now be searching for a new club as he looks to enjoy the latter years of his professional career.