Vusi Vilakazi clears the air on Ntsako Makhubela’s Pirates remarks

Golden Arrows co-head coach Vusimuzi Vilakazi has thrown light on the comments he made about Orlando Pirates loanee Ntsako Makhubela.

“Kanu”, as Arrows mentor is widely known, was speaking at the club’s Nedbank Cup media open day on Wednesday.

Vilakazi was recently reported to have said, “I know Makhubela is on loan [from Orlando Pirates]. But if Makhubela wants to enjoy his football, he must ask Orlando Pirates to release him so that he must stay here.”

However, now, he has come out to shed light on what he said. He admitted that he would love to have Makhubela at Arrows but refuted the reports that he said the 28-year-old should get clearance from the Buccaneers.

“I want to rectify something, I was asked about Makhubela last week, but I was misquoted,” he said.

“I was asked if I’m not worried that he’ll go back to Orlando Pirates considering his impact on our team.

“My answer now is, I would love to have Makhubela in our set-up at any time because he understands the culture and philosophy of the club.

“So, he fits in very easily in our team. But in terms of the contract, transfers and everything, that’s beyond my control because I respect Orlando Pirates. I respect the club and its negotiations.

“I can only comment about Makhubela in terms of football matters and what he does in the four lines.

“But in terms of a contract, I respect Pirates. We have a good relationship with them. So I’d never comment about that he must go get a clearance from Pirates. That’s very unprofessional.”

Makhubela rejoined Abafana Bes’thende on loan in January, but the length of his loan spell wasn’t specified.

In eight appearances he’s made so far in the DStv Premiership, he’s found the back of the net on one occasion.

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