Orlando Pirates coach Milutin Sredojevic insists Thamsanqa Sangweni is still part of his plans, despite rumours linking him with a move away from the club.

The 28-year-old has only managed to make a total of three appearances for the Buccaneers this campaign after spending most of his time sidelined through injury.

Sredojevic says that Sangweni still has a part to play at the club, but insists that the former Chippa United midfielder has to improve his game to book his place in the starting XI.

‘He is absolutely in our plans,’ Sredojevic told KickOff.com.

‘He is one of the players competing for a central midfield position, and the moment succeeds in reaching the criteria and standard we are looking for in our team, he will be there.

‘We have great respect for his human and football qualities.’

Orlando Pirates are set to take on Maritzburg United when the two sides meet at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday, with kickoff set for 20:15.