Promising winger Azola Matrose is seeking a fresh start at his boyhood club, Chippa United, following a difficult stint at Orlando Pirates.
According to SABC Sport, Matrose is set for a permanent return to Chippa after spending two seasons at the Buccaneers.
The 21-year-old initially signed for the Soweto giants following an impressive debut season [2021/22] in the topflight with Chippa United. Given his immense potential, the Buccaneers moved quickly to secure his services.
However, Matrose was immediately loaned back to the Chilli Boys to continue his development for the 2022/23 season. The idea was for the then-teenager to continue getting regular playing time and blossom into a key player for both the national team and Pirates in the years to come.
He returned to Pirates last year in July albeit carrying an injury that sidelined him. Pirates coach Jose Riveiro confirmed at the time that an injury would keep the player on the sidelines for a period.
Unfortunately, the Gqeberha-born star never made his senior team debut for the Buccaneers, fuelling speculation about his future. In fact, Matrose primarily featured in the club’s DStv Diski Challenge team, where he played in nearly every match during the second half of the season.
AZOLA MATROSE GETS FRESH START AT CHIPPA UNITED
Reports are that Pirates and Chippa United have reached an agreement that will see Matrose return to his hometown. There, he hopes to revitalise his career under coach Kwanele Kopo and assistant Thabo September.
Interestingly, Kopo and September are renowned for developing young players. Under the two former SuperSport coaches, Matrose, a South African youth international, will be eager to rediscover the form that initially attracted Pirates’ interest.
An official announcement is expected soon as Chippa United continues to strengthen its squad after narrowly avoiding relegation last season. Coach Kopo has been tasked with aiming for at least a Top 8 finish this time around.
Matrose is expected to link up with the Chilli Boys during their 10-day pre-season camp in Johannesburg next week as the team gears up for the new season.
He joins a growing list of new signings at Chippa United, including veteran Andile Jali and former TS Galaxy winger Aphelele Teto.
RELATED STORY: Stade Reims honours former Pirates star Marshall Munetsi
