WINGER Joseph "DukuDuku" Makhanya has committed himself to Orlando Pirates, ending speculation that he was leaving Parktown.

Makhanya, a product of Pirates' development programme, signed a further two-year contract with the Buccaneers yesterday.

A few weeks ago Makhanya, who has not been a regular under coach Ruud Krol, was linked with moves to AmaZulu and Moroka Swallows.

Sowetan has learnt that the new deal was reached after a meeting yesterday between Pirates chairperson Irvin Khoza and Makhanya's business manager, Mike Makaab.

Makhanya, who started playing for the Pirates senior team eight years ago, is delighted that the Bucs technical staff still believe in him.

A former Amajita and Under-23 national player, the speedy linkman - who is now 27 - has promised to work hard in order to reclaim his position in the starting line-up.

"I said it before and I will say it again. This is home and I would never leave Orlando Pirates for any other team," he told the club's website yesterday.

"I'm happy that both parties were able to agree on terms and now I can focus on my football career and try to break into the coach's starting line-up."

Meanwhile, at Chloorkop, dribbling wizard Manqoba "Shakes" Ngwenya will remain with Mamelodi Sundowns after failing to find a new home.

Ngwenya was told to look for a new club after coach Hristo Stoichkov made it clear that the former national Under-23 player did not feature in his plans.

It remains to be seen whether Ngwenya - a favourite among Sundowns supporters - will get a run under Stoichkov.