Makonese’s off-field antics to affect new contract?

Makonese has denied recent media reports that he went on a drinking binge during which he allegedly abandoned his family, but Pirates say the reports have negatively affected the former Shabanie Mine players performance on the field and might see the club letting him go.

Pirates spokesman, Mickey Modisane, told The Zimbabwean at the clubs training session that the reports might seriously affect the players chances of having his contract renewed at the end of this season.

I cannot say at this stage if we are going to renew his contract or not, but I guess you know of stories around Makoneses behaviour off the field, said Modisane.

The stories about his off-field antics are really affecting his work on the field and as a club we can only control him within the field of play and not outside of it.

However, Modisane, who would neither rubbish nor certify if Makonese really did what he is alleged to have done, did not completely slam the door on the central defenders chances with the club, giving the impression that things might still work out if the Zimbabwean could control his private life.

He is a very good player, there is no doubt about that and as a professional it is up to him to make sure that he also works on his off-field conduct. I hope he will eventually come right and let us concentrate solely on matters on the field, added Modisane.

But should Makonese come right are Bucs intending to sign him, considering that at least for this season, he has been restricted more to life on the sidelines than within the lines?

At this stage I really cannot say whether or not that is going to happen, said the Pirates spokesman.

Makonese, who admitted that the recent reports around his behaviour have not been good for his career, added that he would focus on winning back favour at the club and hopefully be taken on board again.

I am happy here and would like to continue being part of the team and that is why I am working so hard at training, said the giant defender.

I know about the stories you are talking about, but I have already said that I did not do most of the things written in there. Whoever wrote the story intended to tarnish my image, but he should know that this is affecting my career and my life.