FORMER Bafana and Orlando Pirates midfielder Steve "Chippa" Lekoelea has been thrown a lifeline to resuscitate his career after spending six months with Mbabane Highlanders in Swaziland.

Lekoelea has been granted permission by the new Mpumalanga Black Aces coach Craig Rosslee to train with the National First Division league side.

"Steve has been training hard and is in great shape," said his business manager Jazzman Mahlakgane.

Mahlakgane also said former Jomo Cosmos player Papi Mngomezulu is going on trials at Bloemfontein Celtic next week.

"We also have Setshaba Mmuso going to National First Division League side University of Pretoria."

Other high profile players in Mahlakgane's stable include Siphiwe Tshabalala, Itumeleng Khune, Jimmy Tau, Vincent Kobola and Punch Masenamela.

Asked about Tshabalala's proposed move to Europe, Mahlakgane said: "We are working on something big."

Chiefs general manager Bobby Motaung said: "We have not received anything about Shabba (Tshabalala). If there is something good on the table, we will release him."