Mabena trains with Orlando Pirates: Agent of ex-Royal AM star opens up

• The agent explained why Mabena is at Bucs
• The experienced striker remains unattached after leaving Thwihli Thwahla
• The situation between Pirates and Mabena clarified

WHAT HAPPENED? Mabena's agent, Machine Motloung has insisted that the 35-year-old is yet to receive an offer from Pirates amid reports indicating he is close to rejoining the Soweto giants.
The Groblersdal-born player became a free agent just before the recent PSL transfer window closed and he was tipped to complete his move back to the Buccaneers where he plied his trade between 2009 and 2014.
Motloung explained that Mabena is just maintaining his fitness and sharpness levels at Bucs having missed pre-season amid his battle with Royal AM due to unpaid wages.

WHAT DID THE AGENT SAY? “Upon receiving his clearance, we needed to look for opportunities for Ndumiso Mabena and we are currently doing that. Orlando Pirates have been one of the clubs that we had approached to give Ndumiso a chance, and indeed yes…he is training there,” Motloung told Metro FM.

“No, he is not on trial but maintaining his fitness and sharpness levels. As you would appreciate that he missed a lot of pre-season training. So, he is keeping in shape so that if an opportunity comes he is ready to play.

"At the moment there’s no conversation regarding keeping him at Pirates, all that is happening at the moment is to make sure that Ndumiso gains his fitness levels and we are grateful he was given that opportunity by Orlando Pirates. These types of practices, in any event, do happen.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE: The veteran marksman received his clearance from Royal AM before the transfer closed and he is now free to join a club of his choice at any time.

Chippa United, TS Galaxy, Swallows FC, and Maritzburg United have also been linked with Mabena in the last few weeks. However, Swallows are currently banned from signing players.

WHAT'S NEXT FOR MABENA? If Pirates don't show an interest in signing Mabena, it seems the 2008-09 National First Division Golden Boot winner would not be short of options with several clubs believed to be keen to sign him.

Mabena showed his quality whenever he was fit at his last club, Royal AM and he will bring some leadership, experience, and free-kick ability to his future club.