Orlando Pirates make BIG decision on Thulani Hlatshwayo’s future!-report

Orlando Pirates have made a huge call on the future of centre back and vice-captain Thulani Hlatshwayo, according to reports. 

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Hlatshwayo has lost his place at both international and club level in the space of a year, and is facing a tough time in his career. 

Hlatshwayo reportedly rejected Sundowns for Pirates

Hlatshwayo reportedly turned down a bigger offer from Mamelodi Sundowns, opting to sign for his boyhood club instead, citing the desire to play in a Soweto derby as huge a factor too. There were big expectations on his shoulders when he eventually joined Pirates, alongside a plethora of marquee signings. He also seemed to live up to those expectations during his early days at the cub, looking like a defensive rock.

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However, as his fortunes changed on the field, the Pirates fans also seemed to turn on the former Bafana Bafana and Bidvest Wits captain, even going as far as calling for Diski Challenge captain Thabiso “Pepe” Sesane, who came into the side to earn a man of the match award on his debut, to replace Hlatshwayo going forward, at some stage last season. 

Ndah signing a potential final nail in the coffin

This season, things would go from bad to worse for Hlatshwayo, as he has seen Pirates invest in Nigerian international centre back Olisa Ndah. Ndah, has not only turned out to be a solid addition for the Buccaneers, but also one of the best signings of the DStv Premiership. The dreadlocked star has been so good for the Sea Robbers, that he earned a call up to Nigeria’s 2021 Africa Cup of Nations squad last month. 

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Ndah has since formed a solid partnership with club captain Happy Jele and that seems to have signalled the writing on the wall for Hlatshwayo’s Pirates future. According to a source speaking to The Citizen The Ghosts are already looking beyond the player. 

No contract renewal for Hlatshwayo!

“His (Hlatshwayo) contract will not be renewed. The club (Pirates) had the option to extend for another year but they have not done so as yet. He has gone down the pecking order and is unlikely to get a chance anytime soon,”  confirmed the source.

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It now remains to be seen if these reports would prove true and Hlatshwayo’s days at Pirates are indeed, numbered. If they are, it would constitute one of the biggest downfalls for such a high profile player in South African football.