Chippa United reportedly target Nkosinathi Mthiyane following Orlando Pirates exit

Premier Soccer League (PSL) giants Orlando Pirates have reportedly parted ways with Nkosinathi Mthiyane.

The 30-year-old left-back spent the 2017/18 season out on loan at PSL side Chippa United where he found it difficult to break into the starting line-up.

Phetso Maphanga and Paseka Mako were both preferred ahead of Mthiyane in the left-back position at the Port Elizabeth-based club.

Maphanga moved to Pirates from Chippa midway through the season, but Mthiyane continued to struggle for game time under coaches Dan Malesela and Vladislav Heric. 

The Chilli Boys decided not to keep Mthiyane, who returned to the Buccaneers at the end of the season following a disappointing loan spell.

Pirates are said to have handed the left-footed player his clearance and gave him their blessings to find employment elsewhere according to The Citizen.

The Soweto giants recently signed new South Africa international Mako from Chippa ahead of the new 2018/19 season.

Chippa have now reportedly renewed their interest in Mthiyane, who enjoyed his best season in the PSL at the Chilli Boys during the 2015/16 campaign. 

“Pirates handed him his clearance after he agreed to have his contract terminated," the source said about the former Thanda Royal Zulu FC player.

Chippa recently announced the signing of inexperienced Ntwenhle Zondo, who signed from National First Division (NFD) club Uthongathi FC.

"He is still looking through offers and Chippa have also said they would like to have him back,” said a source.

Mthiyane, who has also turned out for AmaZulu FC in the PSL, joined Pirates from Chippa prior to the start of the 2016/17 campaign.

However, the defender-come-midfielder could not establish himself at Bucs and he was loaned out to Lamontville Golden Arrows midway through the season.

He enjoyed regular game time under local tactician Clinton Larsen at Arrows - making 14 appearances in all competitions, before returning to Bucs in July 2017.