Orlando Pirates have blocked an offer from Maritzburg United to take Gift Motupa on loan for the 2016-17 season.

In his debut season in the Absa Premiership the former Baroka FC midfielder has done fairly well for himself, netting two goals and creating an assists from 25 appearances for the Buccaneers in all competitions.

According to a well-informed source told Goal that the Soweto giants turned down a loan offer from the Team of Choice as the 21-year-old midfielder remains a key member of the Bucs team.

‘Yes, there was an inquiry. Maritzburg were interested in taking him on-loan, but the player is staying. He is an integral part of the team,’ a source said.

This season Motupa has helped the Sea Robbers to a seventh place finish in the Absa Premiership, ending the season with 41 points.