Agent: I am sure that Thabo Matlaba will stay at Orlando Pirates next season

Amid speculation that Orlando Pirates are locked in talks with Bidvest Wits for the services of defender Thulani Hlatshwayo, Thabo Matlaba’s agent insists his client will remain at Bucs.

This comes after reports emerged that the left back was reportedly offered by the Soweto giants in order to sweeten the deal as Pirates want to land Hlatshwayo’s signature.

With the Mayfair-based side having already started their pre-season preparations for the upcoming 2018/19 Premier Soccer League (PSL) season, it remains unclear if Matlaba will turn out for Bucs during the upcoming season.

The versatile player was used sparingly by coach Milutin Sredojevic last season as the Serbian mentor preferred Innocent Maela and Mthokozisi Dube.  

In the past few weeks, Pirates released goalkeeper Brighton Mhlongo, Ayanda Gcaba, Riyaad Norodien and Marc van Heerden whilst signing nine players to bolster their squad.

With their eyes firmly set on landing the Bafana Bafana and Clever Boys skipper, Pirates are looking at offering Matlaba in order to bring ‘Tyson’ on board.

However, contrary to recent media reports, Matlaba’s agent remains confident that his client will don the famous black and white shirt next season.

“Everything is up to Pirates, but I am sure that he will stay at Pirates next season,” Matlaba’s agent Abbie Rasimphi was quoted as saying by Isolezwe.

The 30-year-old former Free State Stars defender featured in 21 matches of the 1995 African champions last season and netted a single goal.

Meanwhile, Pirates have signed goalkeeper Brilliant Khuzwayo, Kudakwashe Mahachi, Asavela Mbekile, Linda Mntambo, Paseka Mako, Vincent Pule, Meshack Maphangule and Ben Motshwari.

However, the player has made it clear to the publication that he is training with the South African giants and he will continue to fight for his place in the squad.

"I am currently training with the team as we are in Mpumalanga. I don’t know about me leaving Pirates and I don't know where the reports come from because I'm still a Pirates player and I'm dedicated to the team,” Matlaba said.

“I will continue to fight for the jersey and give my all, I cannot talk about reports that I do not see eye-to-eye with the technical team because I don’t know it,” added the player.

“What I want to clarify is that they are our coaches and I respect them very much. As we prepare for a new season here, I want to work hard to please them so they can bring me back and play," Matlaba concluded.