With the return of football in the country now confirmed, Bidvest Wits are still awaiting the return of Elias Pelembe who is yet to join up with the Clever Boys.
The 36-year-old, who has formed a vital part of Gavin Hunt’s team this season, returned to his native Mozambique during lockdown. However since teams having received the green light to return to football under Level 3 in June, Pelembe is yet to return to the country.
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His absence was confirmed by Bidvest Wits' Chief Operations officer, Jonathan Schloss.
“Pelembe is still in Mozambique with our borders being closed.”
Despite his current contract with the Clever Boys ending on June 30, he remains a Bidvest Wits player, as the club’s intentions are to retain him on a short-term contract to complete the 2019/20 season.
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Should Pelembe’s stay in his country of birth continue well into the resumption of the league, and with no signs of South African borders opening any time soon, Wits may be forced to let the veteran go. Though he could form part of TTM in the new season should the owners see fit to keep him on.
Wits currently sit in sixth position on the Absa Premiership log standings with nine matches remaining. They also have a tough Nedbank Cup semi-final encounter on 8 August against Mamelodi Sundowns.