Cape Town - Cash-strapped Bloemfontein Celtic have agreed to release reigning Player of the Month Alfred Ndengane who looks now to be set to join Orlando Pirates.
"After some lengthy yet cordial discussions with Alfred Ndengane’s representatives Bloemfontein Celtic has finally agreed to release the resolute defender from his contract," the club said in a statement. "The versatile and humble defender will as from October 1 not be part of the team."
Breaking the news Celtic CEO Khumbulani Konco said: "it is incredibly painful losing a player of Ndengane’s calibre, however, after speaking to him for months trying to convince him to stay we realised he was adamant about his request to be released.
"I must emphasise though, that through negotiations for him to extend his stay and his ultimate decision to depart, there was no bad blood but rather amicable discussions through his manager.
"We therefore wish him all the best in his future endeavours and wholeheartedly thank him for his professional conduct and contribution towards the brand Celtic."
Konco concluded by announcing that utility defender, Tshepo Rikhotso, has extended his stay at Siwelele by three years with an additional one-year option to his current contract which is due to end June 2019.
"He (Rikhotso) was nurtured and introduced to professional football by Celtic and we were happy when he, through his manager, committed to the team until 2023. In football you lose some but we must always try to keep the core of the team intact"