Sangweni stays put -Bucs defender set to sign a new contract

ORLANDO Pirates are set to end weeks of speculation and offer a new contract to experienced defender Siyabonga Sangweni.

The 32-year-old's contract ended on June 30 and the rumour mill suggested that he would do the unthinkable and join big spenders Mamelodi Sundowns ahead of their participation in the African Champions League.

He has returned to the Pirates training ground after spending the past weeks on his own. His contractual issues will be resolved in the coming days following the return of club chairman Irvin Khoza from Brazil.

Sangweni, managed by former Pirates coach Mike Makaab, is believed to have had a chat with Khoza, and these talks paved the way for the player to rejoin his team-mates in pre-season camp.

"Siyabonga is hard at training and positive about the new season. The chairman was away in Brazil, he will attend to it," said Bucs public relations officer Mickey Modisane.

Sangweni referred all enquiries about his contract to Makaab yesterday, saying "he is the one dealing with the matter".

Makaab could not be reached for comment.

Pirates, who unveiled their new jerseys last night, have begun preparations for the Absa Premiership season and have lined up a series of friendly matches as part of their programme.

After beating National First Division side Baroka FC 2-1, the Buccaneers continue their pre-season programme with a date against Tembisa FC today.

Depending on negotiations that are to be finalised today, Pirates will play either Platinum Stars or University of Pretoria in another friendly in Johannesburg on Monday.

Monday's game will form part of the Bucs' final preparations ahead of their Carling Cup clash against Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium next Saturday.

Bucs assistant coach Tebogo Moloi said they were delighted with the progress they have made during the pre-season camp.

"All the players are doing well and excited about the new season, we also have several youngsters who are on trials. We are still assessing them," Moloi said.

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