Happy birthday to Xola Mlambo.

Ten Tenā€™Ā started playing football from a very early age, leading to his Pirates stars face bleak futureƂĀ move to join Meadowland FC where he was selected to represent Gauteng in the SAB U21 Tournament.

The futures of Siphesihle Ndlovu, Xola Mlambo, Justin Shonga, and Austin Muwowo are said to be hanging in the balance at Orlando Pirates with the club rumoured to be uncertain on whether to keep or discard them.

All four have struggled for game time at the Buccaneers this season and a source said they could either be loaned out or handed their clearances.

ā€œIt is a difficult situation for both the club and players because they were not given proper chances especially under the new coach (Josef Zinnbauer) but to restrict the squad numbers, they may have to be let go either on loan or sold or released.

ā€œThe club has said that because of the perceived financial strain they might face after Covid-19, they need to cut down on the size of their squad. Plus they want to add a few new faces so some have to be cut loose,ā€ said a source.

In 2011, Xola was scouted by Augustine Makalakalane to join North West University on a three year bursary. In his final year of university, he was recommended to the Mamelodi Sundowns Reserve Team, ā€œM-Tigersā€, under the leadership of formerĀ Orlando PiratesĀ defender and captain Dan Malesela. After competing in the ABC Motsepe League for the 2014/15 season, Xola reunited with coach Malesela for half a season at Cape Town All Stars before moving to Chippa United. His first taste of silverware came in the colours of Bidvest Wits, where he won the league, the MTN Top 8 and the Telkom Cup.

Outside of football, ā€˜Ten Tenā€™Ā spends time working with finances and enjoys playing other sports. Growing up, he idolised players like Luis Figo, Lionel Messi and Shoes Moshoeu.