Swallows accept Matlaba’s transfer request, Royal AM move imminent

Swallows FC chairman David Mogashoa has officially confirmed the departure of former Orlando Pirates defender Thabo Matlaba from the club.

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Matlaba had been with Swallows since October 2020 following his arrival from Black Leopards, and his contract was meant to expire in June.

According to Mogashoa, Matlaba asked to be released from his contract on Saturday, and the Swallows boss said the club accepted the request.

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SWALLOWS COULD NOT HAVE STOPPED MATLABA FROM LEAVING

“He called me on Saturday. He wanted to leave. We accepted his request,” Mogashoa told KickOff.

“It’s against the club’s policy to stand in the player’s way when he wants to leave.

“Anyway, his contract was due to expire in June this year and it wouldn’t make sense to try and keep him when he wanted to leave now in January,” added Mogashoa.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR MATLABA?

Matlaba is reported to be on his way to Royal AM after the KwaZulu-Natal-based side expressed interest in his services.

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Given that Matlaba left Swallows way before the closing of the transfer window, this means he is eligible to sign with a club of his choice even outside of the transfer window.

If Royal AM get the proposed deal over the line, then they would become Matlaba’s fifth team in the PSL.

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Matlaba started out at Free State Stars before joining Pirates and later Black Leopards – Swallows then came knocking for his signature in 2020.

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