Shock! Pirates release Hlatshwayo

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Orlando Pirates announced the departure of former Bafana Bafana captain Thulani Hlatshwayo on Friday, with the defender revealing he asked to leave the club.

The Sea Robbers publicly chased Tyson for years while he was at Bidvest Wits and when the Clever Boys sold their status it was no surprise when the then Bafana Bafana captain signed for Pirates.

However, he has failed to settle in at the club and after just two seasons the club has decided to part ways with the defender.

The club announced the decision with a statement on their website on Friday morning.

The statement read: “Orlando Pirates Football Club and Tyson Hlatshwayo jointly announce the amicable parting of ways between the two parties.

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“A leader amongst men, Tyson has always sought to make a meaningful contribution wherever he plays, and this is what has ultimately influenced his decision to request the Club to grant him his request to leave.”

Tyson admitted that his spell at the club didn’t work out but was pleased to fufill his dream of donning the black and white of his boyhood club.

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“My dream to wear the black and white jersey of Orlando Pirates has been fulfilled,” Hlatswayo told the club’s media department.

“When I came here, I said I wanted a trophy, and we were able to deliver on that mandate. Unfortunately, the second season didn’t work out the way I wanted it to, and this is what has informed my decision to request the Club to grant me my wish of leaving because I still have a lot to give and a lot to offer in the field of play. This is something that I shared with Management.”

“We had some positive talks (with Management) but with everything taken into careful consideration I have decided it’s the right time for me to leave the Club,” added Hlatshwayo.

“I will forever be grateful to the Chairman and the Club for granting me this wish. The Club and I have always had a fantastic relationship, which will continue beyond my playing days.

“For me, today is a new chapter filled with many emotions. There’s a sense of pride, sadness and also optimism towards the future.

“Finally, to the fans, I would personally like to thank you for all the support.”

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Dean Workman