Orlando Pirates are set to make some crunch decisions pertaining to expiring contracts in the next year.
At least four senior players will see their contracts expire at Pirates in June 2025, including a fan favourite.
The likes of goalkeeper Sipho Chaine and midfielders Makhehleni Makhaula, Miguel Timm and Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo are the players in question. Chaine and Makhaula have been ever present for the Buccaneers. They are more certain to see their contracts extended by the club. While Timm and Ndlondlo have fallen out of favour and have watched the team largely from the peripheries this term.
Pirates have four senior players with deals coming to and end
Earlier this month, this publication reported that the situation was not looking good for Miguel Timm. The fan favourite was out with a long-term injury and lost his place in the Pirates line up. The Buccaneers seem to have settled on a combination of Makhaula and Thalente Mbatha. But now according to Soccer-Laduma, he might be about to see his deal extended at the club.
“For now the team (Pirates) is believed to have triggered that one year option. This because they are the ones who hold that power in that instant and they are happy to keep him (Timm) for one more season. The technical team still believes that there are times and games where they will need him beyond this season and that’s why they advised management to exercise the option on his contract which will now run until June 2026. The contract (previously) extended from the beginning of the season ends in June 2025,” said the source.
Timm set for extension?
A second source confirms that Pirates want to keep Timm to maintain the balance of their midfield options.
“They (Pirates) have more attacking midfielders and to have Timm in the squad is very important for them and that’s why they have apparently taken up the option to keep him. They have many games to play from this season until next season as they are in the group stages of the CAF Champions League and also playing in all the local tournaments. They need him to cover for Makhaula and Mbatha,” said the second source.
Pirates fans, are you happy with the news that Timm could be staying put at the club? Feel free to leave your thoughts and feelings in the comments below.
