Matlaba said to be unhappy at Pirates

Matlaba missed the last two matches, including the Soweto derby against Kaizer Chiefs, with the club reporting on their website that he suffered a right ankle contusion with a ligament sprain.

However, a source close to the player told Phakaaathi that Matlaba was rested for the past two games because the club felt that he was not giving his all.

“The club feels that his mind is not focused and the reason for that is because he is not happy,” said the source.

Matlaba has been one of the constant performers for the Buccaneers since joining them from Free State Stars in 2012. But lately his performances have been questioned by the club fans.

“Festival (Matlaba’s nickname) doesn’t feel appreciated. He has been giving his all for the club, yet these days he is often blamed whenever Pirates lose a game. He loves Pirates and the fact that he is blamed for the club losses, he feels that if that’s the case then he needs to move somewhere else,” added the source.