Pirates to release players

According to the Football411 website, the Buccaneers entered the campaign on the back of their incredible double-treble success, but surrendered all three titles - the PSL, MTN8 and Telkom Knockout - to finish the term without any silverware.

The Sea Robbers could also only manage third in the Premiership standings, while it is Kaizer Chiefs and SuperSport United who will contest the Nedbank Cup final this weekend.

Roger de Sa's side do, however, still have CAF Champions League glory to dream about, with the continent's biggest club cup competition resuming at the group stages on June 18.

That means the men from Soweto will get around 21 days off before being recalled for training, although each player will be sent on holiday with a detailed fitness plan to follow while on leave.