Orlando Pirates are understood to be working on finalising a contract extension for their left-back, whose current deal is believed to expire at the end of the season.
The Buccaneers appear to be eager to retain Paseka Mako, given his experience and the uncertainty surrounding other options at the club, the Siya crew has been informed.
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Insiders close to the team have indicated that Pirates are believed to be offering the 31-year-old defender a two-year extension. Siya sources suggest Mako’s importance has grown as captain Innocent Maela’s future hangs in the balance, and the club looks to maintain stability in the left-back position.
"For now he is the only left back who can be there next season as the future of captain Innocent Maela hangs in the balance. So that is why they have decided to keep him for a further two seasons," the insider told the Siya crew.
While Pirates are actively pursuing Stellenbosch FC’s Fawaaz Basadien as a potential left-back reinforcement, a second insider acknowledges that any deal for the Bafana Bafana star may be challenging. Stellenbosch are unwilling to release Basadien and rivals Kaizer Chiefs are also in the race for his signature, as previously reported by Soccer Laduma.
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"The club is still fighting to get a left back like Basadien but they know it won't be easy as Stellenbosch doesn't want to let him go while Kaizer Chiefs are also interested in him. So, to be safe that's why they are believed to be keeping Mako longer," the second source stated.
Mako, who joined the Buccaneers from Chippa United in 2018, has featured in many Betway Premiership games this season and remains a crucial figure in the Pirates defence.
Attempts to reach Mako's agent, Basia Michaels and Pirates, for comment were unsuccessful at the time of publication.
