FRUSTRATED and disillusioned Ayanda “Malume” Gcaba is prepared to QUIT Orlando Pirates!
It’s been five months since the defender last featured for Bucs. His last appearance was in a league game against Golden Arrows in May.
A regular under two previous coaches, Gcaba has suddenly become a spectator under Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic, yet to play a single match in 10 league games and two cup fixtures.
According to a source close to the player, Gcaba is looking to disembark the Buccaneers’ ship as he believes his playing opportunities are not bound to improve under the current technical team, which includes assistant coach Rhulani Mokwena. In fact, Gcaba is itching for a fresh move in the January transfer window.
“The whole situation is really frustrating for him and he is looking at his options ahead of the January window,” said the source.
“Although he hasn’t attracted interest yet, he is hopeful he can secure a move elsewhere.”
Gcaba was on the bench for the first time as the Soweto giants crashed to Polokwane City in their Telkom Knockout semifinal match two weeks ago.
Even then he did not make an appearance, as Micho prefers using Ntsikelelo Nyauza, Justice Chabalala, Happy Jele and Abbubaker Mobara in central defence.
A reportedly less-than-stellar lifestyle of late, however, is also understood to be a factor in Gcaba having to watch proceedings from the stands.
He joined the Buccaneers from Free State Stars five seasons ago and has made over 100 appearances for the Soweto giants.
He has three international caps, having featured for Bafana against Senegal in their 2015 Africa Cup of Nations group match.
At 31, his career could be at a crossroads. It could stagnate further due to a lack of playing opportunities.
Micho, meanwhile, has spent the Fifa international break drilling his troops ahead of their league clash with Arrows next week.
“We are a work in progress. Yes, we have seen improvement but we are not satisfied with the way we are conceding goals,” the coach said recently.
“There are glimpses, but we’re still very far from where we want to be and how we want to play.”