Azola Matrose set to leave Orlando Pirates permanently

The 21-year-old signed for the Soweto giants amidst much fanfare having impressed in his first topflight experience with the Chilli Boys, that being the reason why The Buccaneers wasted no time in acquiring his service.

But Matrose then remained on loan at Chippa with the hope that he would keep getting regular game time and develop as one of the bright prospects for both the country as well as for Pirates in the coming years.

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Pirates officially welcomed Matrose in July last year with coach Jose Riveiro revealing that the player arrived carrying an injury that meant he would be sidelined for some time.

However, the Gqeberha-born star was never able to make his debut for The Buccaneers – leading to speculation over his future.

The public broadcaster now has it on good authority that Pirates and Chippa have agreed a deal that will see Matrose return to his home town and hope to revive his career under coach Kwanele Kopo, who is assisted by Thabo September.

Matrose remains a junior international and given his age there is a lot of hope he can still rediscover the form that led to his Pirates move in the first place.

It’s expected that an announcement will be made in the coming days, with Chippa strengthening a side that avoided relegation last season and have tasked Kopo with at least a Top 8 finish this time around.

Matrose will join a long list of new players recently unveiled by the club, including veteran Andile Jali and ex-TS Galaxy winger Aphelele Teto.