Philani Zulu’s ongoing absence for Maritzburg United has now been explained by club chairman Farook Kadodia, who confirmed an ongoing contract dispute.

Zulu has not featured for the Team of Choice in their last three competitive fixtures and the side has now confirmed that the wing is not keen to extend his current deal at the club, which comes to an end in June. Subsequently, the star is weighing up his options and has allegedly already received several inquiries for his services.

According to the Chairman Kadodia, the 24-year-old will be confined to sidelines until he makes a decision on the contract offer that as been layed before him by the club.

‘Philani Zulu’s got a contract dispute with the club so he’s basically sorting his life out,’ Kadodia told Kickoff.

‘The club wants him to decide exactly what he wants because he’s in the last year of his contract. The club gave him the proposal to extend his contract and he’s in deliberation. So at the moment he’s sorting his life out. Once he’s sorted out his contract dispute, he can come back.’

Kadodia is believed to have fought off the likes of Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs in their chase for Deolin Mekoa and Evans Rusikein the off season, demonstrating a determination to keep hold of the side’s key players. Zulu was recognised as Martizburg’s most valuable player at the club’s awards ceremony last season.

The star featured in the side’s first three games this season.