Tercious Malepe: Ex-Orlando Pirates defender left waiting after University of Pretoria trial

Former Orlando Pirates defender Tercious Malepe faces an uncertain future after a week-long trial with Motsepe Foundation Championship side University of Pretoria ended without a decision on whether he will be offered a contract.

The 29-year-old, who last season helped Kruger United clinch promotion to the Betway Premiership, has stopped training with the Pretoria club – commonly known as Tuks – while the technical team deliberates on his fate.

An insider close to the club told Soccer Laduma that Malepe’s assessment period has concluded and that he is now in limbo as he waits for feedback.

“He’s not training with the team anymore; he was last week. The coach has not made any decision on him yet,” the source said.

Trial ends, but no deal yet

Malepe spent last week training with University of Pretoria as he looked to secure his next move following his departure from Kruger United at the end of the 2025/26 campaign.

Despite his influential role in guiding the Mpumalanga-based side to the top flight, Kruger United opted to release him, leaving the defender searching for a new club just weeks before the new season.

The trial at Tuks was seen as a significant opportunity for the former youth international to remain active in South African professional football. However, with the coaching staff yet to make up their minds, the player’s short-term prospects remain unresolved.

Club officials are weighing up their squad options for the upcoming Motsepe Foundation Championship season, and Malepe is understood to be one of several players under consideration.

From Pirates prospect to promotion winner

Malepe is best known for his long association with Orlando Pirates, where he came through the club’s youth development system and broke into the senior ranks.

Although highly rated as a youngster, he found regular game time hard to come by at the Soweto giants. In search of minutes and experience, he spent several spells out on loan, turning out for Moroka Swallows, Ajax Cape Town and Chippa United.

Those stints helped establish him as a versatile defender capable of operating in various positions across the backline and in defensive midfield, but he never managed to cement a permanent starting role at Pirates.

Overseas stint and AmaZulu chapter

After leaving Pirates, Malepe tried his luck abroad, signing for Ukrainian side FC Mynai (often listed as FC Maynai in some local reports). His move to Europe offered a fresh challenge and exposure to a different footballing environment before he later returned to South Africa.

Back home, he went on to feature for AmaZulu FC, adding further top-flight experience to his CV in the DStv Premiership.

His most recent chapter, at Kruger United, underlined his value in a promotion-chasing squad. Playing a central role as the club earned its place in the Betway Premiership, he demonstrated leadership and resilience in a highly competitive division.

Future hangs in the balance

With pre-season preparations stepping up across the country, the timing of University of Pretoria’s decision is crucial for Malepe, who will want clarity to avoid missing out on opportunities elsewhere.

For now, the defender must wait as Tuks’ technical team finalise their planning. Whether the club choose to bank on his experience or look elsewhere could shape the next phase of a career that has already taken him from Orlando Pirates’ academy to Europe and back – and most recently to the brink of South Africa’s top flight once again.