Johannesburg - Orlando Pirates Administration Officer Floyd Mbele has poured cold water on recent speculation linking Black Leopards midfielder Edgar Manaka with a possible move to the Soweto giants.
The 24-year-old industrious player was instrumental for Lidoda Duvha in last season’s National First Division (NFD), as well as the recent PSL promotion-relegation playoffs.
Despite playing attractive football under Kostadin Papic, Manaka and his team-mates failed to claim a spot in the country’s top flight football next season, after their Limpopo rivals Polokwane City won the playoffs to reclaim their status.
Speaking exclusively to Sport24, Mbele revealed that the 2013/14 Nedbank Cup winners did not make any proposal to the Limpopo-based outfit regarding Manaka.
“This is new to us,” said Mbele.
“We are not aware of that at Orlando Pirates Football Club.
“We didn’t have any form of communication with Black Leopards regarding the services of any of their players.
“It is just a rumour as far as I know.”
The Buccaneers are not the only team rumoured to be in need of Manaka’s services as newly crowned Absa Premiership champions, Mamelodi Sundowns, Platinum Stars and newly promoted side Chippa are said to be in the race to lure him.
The 24-year-old industrious player was instrumental for Lidoda Duvha in last season’s National First Division (NFD), as well as the recent PSL promotion-relegation playoffs.
Despite playing attractive football under Kostadin Papic, Manaka and his team-mates failed to claim a spot in the country’s top flight football next season, after their Limpopo rivals Polokwane City won the playoffs to reclaim their status.
Speaking exclusively to Sport24, Mbele revealed that the 2013/14 Nedbank Cup winners did not make any proposal to the Limpopo-based outfit regarding Manaka.
“This is new to us,” said Mbele.
“We are not aware of that at Orlando Pirates Football Club.
“We didn’t have any form of communication with Black Leopards regarding the services of any of their players.
“It is just a rumour as far as I know.”
The Buccaneers are not the only team rumoured to be in need of Manaka’s services as newly crowned Absa Premiership champions, Mamelodi Sundowns, Platinum Stars and newly promoted side Chippa are said to be in the race to lure him.