Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns could miss out on signing Ghana international Richard Ofori ahead of next season following Maritzburg United's decision to trigger an option to renew his contract.
The news was confirmed by Ofori's agent Hussein Chamseddine just weeks after the Team of Choice had distanced themselves from reports that they had already struck a deal to sell Ofori to the Buccaneers for the new season.
"Yes, Maritzburg United have exercised their option on Ofori," Chamseddine told Daily Sun.
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Ofori's agent further stated that Maritzburg United needed no permission from the player to keep him beyond the expiry of his current deal as the two parties had already agreed on this option to renew when they entered into the existing relationship.