Maritzburg United have confirmed that veteran midfielder Abia Nale has been released from his contract with the club by mutual consent.

The 30-year-old midfielder and the club parted ways, making the former Kaizer Chiefs player immediately available to play for any team of his choice.

Abia says he had enough time to think about his decision to part ways with the club but admits that he would’ve loved to play under new head coach Roger De Sa.

‘The decision to request the club to release me from my contract was taken during the December break. I had enough time to think about it,’ Abia told the Maritzburg United website.

‘It is sad that I won’t be able to work with such a quality coach as Roger, I would have loved to walk the journey with him, but I took the decision even before he was unveiled.’

Marketing and Communications Manager Brian Zuma admits that he is sad to see Nale go but insists that he is happy with the way his situation was handled.

‘We definitely still wanted him to stay, but he had already made the decision and was adamant that it was in his best interest to leave. We are happy with the way the matter was handled and we wish Abia all the best for the future,’ Zuma said.

Maritzburg United will next take on Polokwane City in the Absa Premiership on February 8.

The match at the Peter Mokaba Stadium kicks off at 19:30.