Premiership giants Orlando Pirates have recalled defender Tercious Malepe from Moroka Swallows, according to a report.

The defender was loaned out to Swallows last season where he did not enjoy a successful tenure as the side were relegated from the National First Division.

Having recently formed part of Owen Da Gama’s squad for the U23 side at the Rio Olympics, it is believed Muhsin Ertugral has signalled he would like the U20 to return to the Bucs set-up.

Malepe is set to return to training with the side on Monday having just arrived back from Brazil on Friday, along with teammates Abbubaker Mobara and Thabiso Kutumela, reports KickOff.

Ertugral has only recently welcomed new signing Justice Chabalala to his side and the central defender impressed as he partnered centre back Edwin Gyimah at the heart of Pirates’ defence in their Maize Cup win over Platinum Stars on Saturday.

‘He is very good young boy that has a bright future. He is very strong on one-on-one,’ Ertugral commented of the 24-year-old.

‘He needs to understand the game, he drifts sometimes out quickly. We need to see and work on him otherwise he is a great defender in the making,’ he concluded.

Pirates play their opening match of the season against Golden Arrows on August 24.

The fixture will take place at Orlando Stadium.

Kick-off is at 19:30.