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Orlando Pirates legend Steve “Chippa” Lekoelea has urged the club to jump at the opportunity to sign free-agent Thuso Phala.
Phala is currently in the final six months of his contract at SuperSport United, thus making him eligible to sign a pre-contract with the club of his choice.
The 32-year-old has seen a drastic dip in game-time under coach Kaitano Tembo, who initially took over the Matsatsantsa reigns as interim coach following Eric Tinkler’s departure last season.
However, he has since been banished to the club’s reserve side due alleged disciplinary issues, which may or may not be related to his pushing for an early exit during the recent January transfer window.
Nonetheless, Lekoelea feels Phala is a great fit for The Buccaneers and can bring some valuable experience to the side.
“I heard that Pirates want to sign Thuso Phala, and I think it’s a good option because he suits the style of play at the club,” said “Chippa”
“I think Pirates need to sign players, they are a big club and it’s time they start buying players to play in the league and in Africa, because you can’t use the same players to play across all the competitions.”
Phala has also been linked with a reunion with former mentor Owen Da Gama at Highlands Park, although it’s understood that the Tembisa-based side would struggle to foot the salary demands of the Bafana Bafana winger. Article by: *Chad Klate (@CKlatey)*
