Ndumiso Mabena set to leave Orlando Pirates

SABC Sport has established that the Buccaneers have not triggered the veteran player’s contract with the deadline on the agreement to extend it for one more year until June 2024 having lapsed. 

The public broadcaster broke the news of Mabena’s move to the Soweto giants last year and the surprise deal was eventually confirmed by Pirates shortly before the new year as the 36-year-old made his comeback. 

But the ex-Royal AM skipper made just one appearance, coming off the bench against Mamelodi Sundowns in a league game four months ago. 

With the club spoiled for choice upfront, it meant Mabena had to compete with fellow strikers Terrence Dzvukamanja, Kermit Erasmus, Eva Nga, Evidence Makgopa and Souaibou Marou for a place in the line-up. 

The fact that coach Jose Riveiro only used him once was perhaps a big hint that Mabena was not in his plans despite being one of the most experienced forwards in the Premier Soccer League. 

Pirates announced that Mabena had put pen to paper on a one-and-a-half-year contract, but SABC Sport understands the additional season was a clause that would be triggered by the club at their discretion.    

Mabena is now set to leave and become a free agent given the Buccaneers have made the decision not to exercise the option.