The club’s management said last week it would decide before the end of the week, most probably on Thursday when his contract expires, before deciding if the services of the giant defender were still required at the club.
In a response to this publication following his unveiling the team’s new coach, Pirates chairman, Irvin Khoza said it would be immature to reveal the names of players they would either retain or release ahead of the new season, saying such would be revealed ‘when the time is right.’
The player’s contract ends on Thursday amid speculation he was on his way out after he did not see any action this past season.
“We will soon meet the technical team headed by (new coach) Julio Leal before we can decide on the future of the concerned player and others whose contracts are expiring and those we will bring on board. We will make the necessary announcement ahead of the next weekend. That is then when we will decide on the technical team to assist the new coach,” Khoza said in Johannesburg.
While the deal between Leal and Pirates is a done and dusted one, indecision surrounds Makonese’s future at the club.
In the two seasons he has been at the club, the Zimbabwean has been used sparingly by departing championship-winning coach Rudi Krol, raising talk of a rift between the two.
Things came to a head last season when he failed to command a single match in the black-and-white of Pirates.
His case was not helped by alleged off-field shenanigans.
Local media reported the brown bottle was cutting into the experienced player’s career.
Pirates acquired the Warriors one-time captain from Cape Town league campaigners Santos where he was standout performer but fell out because off alleged indiscipline.
Makonese has previously told this publication of his desire to continuing at the treble-winning team and rejected reports of ill-discipline.
Post published in: Football