Bidvest Wits defender Buhle Mkhwanazi believes that teammate Thulani Hlatshwayo is happy at Sturrock Park but admits the ball is in his court with known admirers Orlando Pirates still interested in his services.

Hlatshwayo is the rock at the heart of a Bidvest Wits backline packed with Bafana Bafana internationals such as Mkhwanazi and Sifiso Hlanti, and as the skipper of the side his importance cant be understated.

Mkhwanazi speaking to Goal.com revealed that while he would love for his teammate to finish his career with the Clever Boys, he could be swayed to leave for Pirates.

“To be honest, that story has been in the media, and I, myself don’t know if he’s going or not. I think he’s even aware of it [the story] because these reports have been coming and coming but nothing materializes,” Mkhwanazi told Goal.

“I don’t know and I can’t decide for him, to say go and don’t go there. It’s up to him, he will maybe check his age, talk to his family and he will then decide.

“He’s been a great leader for us, he’s been doing well for us and I don’t see anything taking him away from Wits to Pirates. So, wherever he is, I think he is happy at Wits because we are happy to have him. I wish and hope he will end his career here at Wits.

“However, it also depends on his career, his family, and to him as a player because contracts come with big money and, issues like: are you happy with the coach because even an agent can’t decide where you are going. The ball is in his court, honestly.”