Orlando Pirates have exercised the option on Gabadinho Mhango as he is back in contention for selection after putting off-field issues to bed according to his agent Mike Makaab.

Speaking to SoccerLaduma the player’s agent confirmed that Mhango will be staying at the club despite recent reports suggesting that the Sea Robbers could be looking to off load the striker.

“The club has exercised the option on Gaba,” his agent Mike Makaab revealed in the interview.

“He is back in the firing line. We’ve had a long discussion with him and he understands the importance of getting back to where he was. The option being exercised shows that there is still confidence in his ability.”

The 29-year-old has not featured for the club since August where he made a one minute cameo appearance in their win over Liberian outfit Oilers Monrovia in the CAF Confederation Cup two weeks ago.

According to Sunday World, the Malawian international allegedly spent a night in Club Propaganda in Pretoria and was locked in after he failed to settle a R26 000 bill after he bought strangers drink

His agent confirmed he is now back in contention after putting the incident behind them and that he currently is with the Pirates squad in their mini bio-bubble confirmed by coach Mandla Ncikazi this week.

“I just think he’s had some off the field issues that were both in and out of his control – he understands that he’s really got to work hard and commit himself to his craft, if that happens I have little doubt that he will be back to where he was,” added Makaab.

“One thing I will never hide from the players we represent is the disappointment in their lack of professionalism. And with social media you can’t hide anymore, you could do it before, but not at the level where it is today. Footballers and professional athletes are in the public eye all the time – if they cough, the world is going to know about it. Gaba is a sensible man, but even the most sensible of us tend to do things that are out of character.”

“What is most important is that he has an obligation towards his employer, and that’s Pirates. He’s got to roll his sleeves up and get back to where he was. That is the Gaba they signed, they never bought this Gaba, they got the one that was on fire (at Bidvest Wits) and we’ve got to get him back on fire.”