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Pirates mass clear-out continues

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Thabo Matlaba

Orlando Pirates have confirmed the departures of a host of first team players, while also revealing that another two players have been placed on the club’s transfer list.

Gladwin Shitolo, Phetso Maphanga, Diamond Thopola and Caio Marcelo were all sold to join Chippa United, while Thabo Matlaba was released after the expiration of his contract. Mpho Makola and Meshack Maphangule were the two player who the club revealed are surplus to requirements and will be sold if an offer comes in.

The Soweto giants confirmed earlier in the week that Abbubaker Mobara, Jackson Mabokgwane, Thabo Qalinge and Ayanda Nkosi have all been released by the club ahead of the 2019-20 season as they look to reshape their squad ahead of a renewed title push next season.

The club confirmed the host of departures on Friday with Matlaba not having his contract renewed after he refused to take a pay cut, ending his seven-year stay with Pirates.

The club made the announcement of the departures to Chippa in a separate statement on Friday:’The management has reached an agreement for the release of Gladwin Shitolo, Phetso Maphanga, Diamond Thopola and Caio Marcelo to Eastern Cape outfit Chippa United.

‘We would like to wish the quartet the very best of luck for the future.’

The Sea Robbers have been heavily linked with a host of players including Maritzburg United midfielders Siphesihle Ndlovu and Fortune Makaringe.

The Buccaneers have made great strides under Milutin Sredojevic and the club’s chairman, dr Irvin Khoza, seems to be backing his manager in the transfer market as the club looks to compete not just for the league title but also in the Caf Champions League and domestic cup competitions, which requires a big squad.