×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

Mayambela 'upsets deal'

'I NEED COMMITMENT': Chippa United coach Farouk Abrahams
'I NEED COMMITMENT': Chippa United coach Farouk Abrahams

CHIPPA United have decided against pursuing their deal for Orlando Pirates midfielder Mark Mayambela, claiming the player has showed a lack of commitment to his future with the team.

Coach Farouk Abrahams believed a deal to bring the 25-year-old player back to Cape Town had been agreed and was expecting to see the player at training on Friday, telling Times Media how delighted he was with the transfer.

But Mayambela apparently had a change of heart overnight and instead of accepting a three-year contract to sign for Chippa, later said he would only be interested in a six-month deal.

Chippa owner Siviwe Mpengesi was "peeved" over this, according to Abrahams, who said they now felt that Mayambela's heart was not in the deal and pulled the plug on the transfer.

"It was a done deal, or so we thought," Abrahams said.

"But the player then said he only wanted to spend six months with us because he believes he has a chance of moving to Chiefs next season when his contract with Pirates ends.

"The chairman and I spoke about it on Friday and decided that we did not want a player who was only going to try and use us as a stepping stone. It showed a lack of commitment and I don't want those sorts of players in my squad.

"We probably have to win seven or eight of our remaining 14 league matches to be sure of safety from relegation. I need players fighting for the jersey."

Mayambela has started just two matches for Pirates in nearly three seasons and Abrahams believes he has made a career mistake. "We would have guaranteed him game time and he could have got his career back on track. Now he'll sit in the stands at Pirates for six months and then, who knows."

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.