According to additional information provided to the public broadcaster, the forward could very well be the first of several players to leave the Dube Birds during the January transfer window.
It’s expected that Swallows will be cleaning house on the back of events that led to the club forcing the Premier Soccer League to cancel two fixtures against Mamelodi Sundowns and Golden Arrows last month due to a dispute over December salaries not being paid early.
Malinga joined Swallows following their promotion back to the DStv Premiership in September 2020 from rivals SuperSport United, but will now leave the club during the halfway mark of the 2023/24 season.
The 28-year-old was already linked with interest from other clubs, among them Sekhukhune United although it was merely just speculation at the time with indications he could leave Swallows at the end of the campaign.
Under coach Steve Komphela so far this season, which is currently in a lengthy recess enforced by the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire, getting underway in Abidjan on Saturday night, Malinga has made 14 appearances.
But unlike last season where he got on the score sheet six times, the striker was yet to open his account for the Dube Birds.
SABC Sport sources have confirmed that Malinga has now become a free agent with immediate effect and available to join a club of his choice for the rest of the campaign and have a fresh start.
The Dube Birds have two other players whose futures have been a topic of discussion in defender Bongani Sam and leading goal scorer Tshegofatso Mabasa – the duo on loan from Orlando Pirates.
But as things stand there has been no clarity on their possible departures with AmaZulu not following up on their interest.
Swallows were fined R1-million by the League yesterday, with R600 000 suspended for six months on condition the same offence not be repeated, while the R400 000 is payable immediately.
PSL prosecutor Zola Majavu confirmed that Sundowns and Arrows will be awarded three points from the matches that were cancelled at short notice.