Musa Nyatama lifts lid on why he left Orlando Pirates

Highlands Park midfielder Musa Nyatama has spoken up on why he asked to be released early from his Orlando Pirates contract.

The 32-year-old was one of two permanent departures announced by the Soweto giants in the last 48 hours of the January transfer window.

Why Musa Nyatama left Orlando Pirates

This was after being a permanent feature for the club in the two seasons leading up to the ongoing campaign.

He told Metro FM that it was lack of game time that led to him requesting that he be released from his contract.

“I have an agent and I also spoke to a couple of friends who I trust and have been there for me throughout my career, I then asked my agent if we could move away from the team. He agreed I was not getting more game time, and my contract coming to an end at the end of the season,” he told the station.

Musa Nyatama

A new chapter for journeyman

Nyatama, who was named Orlando Pirates’ Player of the Year in 2018, joined the Lions of the North on a six-month contract.

The Thembisa-based outfit are his fifth club since making his professional debut for the now-defunct Thanda Royal Zulu in 2008.

After just seven appearances for Pirates in the 2019/20 season, the player admitted he was disappointed with the manner in how his spell at the club ended.

 “I was disappointed but it is part of life and close the chapter and open a new one with Highlands.”

Musa Nyatama

Nyatama made his Highlands Park debut over the weekend when he came on as a second-half substitution for another veteran midfielder in ex-Bafana star Reneilwe Letsholonyane.

His new club beat first division outfit, Uthongathi 2-0 in the Round of 32 stage of the Nedbank Cup.

Highlands next face Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium on Saturday. The match kicks off at 18:00 (SAST).