Golden Arrows co-coach Vusi Vilakazi says he would love to keep Orlando Pirates loanee Ntsako Makhubela beyond this season.
Makhubela is on loan at Arrows from Pirates, whom he joined from Abafana Bes’Thende ahead of last campaign.
But he struggled to make his name at Pirates, where he had come through the youth ranks, leading him to rejoin Arrows on loan in January.
Makhubela was the star of the show when Arrows came from behind to beat Kaizer Chiefs 3-2 last month at Peter Mokaba Stadium, scoring once and setting up the winner.
The showing in that game is something Makhubela has never done at Pirates in one-a-and-half seasons, and Vilakazi insisted he would love for the attacking midfielder to stay.
“I would love to have Makhubela in our set up at any time,” said Vilakazi.
“Makhubela understands our culture and the philosophy of the club and he fits in very easily in our team.
“In terms of the contract and everything, that is beyond my control because I respect Orlando Pirates, I respect the club and the negotiations. I can only comment about Makhubela in terms of football matters and what he does in the four lines on the field.”
However, Vilakazi also clarified rumours that he had asked Makhubela to request his clearance from his mother club.
“With the contract and other stuff, I respect Pirates – I would never…we have a good relationship with Pirates. I will never say he must go to Pirates and ask for the clearance,” he explained.
Makhubela did not train with the club on Wednesday, as he is struggling with a flu.
Arrows are preparing for a Nedbank Cup round of 16 fixture against provincial rivals – Royal AM – at Princess Magogo Stadium on Saturday (15:00).
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They are in this stage of the Ke Yona Cup for the first time since the 2018/19 season, when they lost in the semi-final to eventual winners TS Galaxy. They have been booted out in the first round in the past three seasons.
