Royal AM have made a decision on ageless winger Elias Pelembe ahead of the 2022/23 DStv Premiership season.
The Durban outfit extended the contract of the evergreen winger, a development confirmed to FARPost by the club’s General Manager Richard Makhoba. However, he could not disclose the duration of the new deal.
“I can’t go into the details of the duration of the contract, but all I can say is that the two parties have agreed to continue their working relationship,” Makhoba tells FARPost.
The Mozambique international was equally elusive when contacted for comment regarding the contract renewal.
However, media reports in Maputo say the new deal is for a season. The 38-year-old is set to go into his 15th season in the top flight of South African football, and there are no signs of slowing down.
He arrived in South Africa in 2007 to sign for SuperSport United and won several silverware. His eye-catching performances swayed Tshwane rivals Mamelodi Sundowns who came with an open cheque book to sign the winger.
The quick-heeled player would go on to have stints with Bidvest Wits and Polokwane City before he signed for Royal AM last season.
He is among very few Mozambicans gracing the fields of South Africa, the other recognizable compatriot being Manuel Kambala of Baroka FC.
Royal AM certainly need Pelembe’s experience when making their maiden appearance in the continental competition.
The Mambas captain made nine appearances in cup and league games for Royal AM and contributed one goal last season.
He told the media in South Africa that he had not set himself retirement date yet because he feels strong enough to continue playing.
“I am not a gym person, but I know how to keep my body in shape…I go for a massage every week, especially when we have two games in a week. What keeps me going is passion…I am passionate about football. My passion for football is too much. Football is in my blood,” Pelembe was quoted saying.
The midfielder remains the driving force for the Mambas attack in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
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