Although the club did put out a statement confirming the suspension, the reasoning behind why Motshwari is being suspended has been kept rather vague, with the Pirates statement eluding to the midfielder “being charged by police this morning”.

It remains unclear what the possible reasoning could be for Motshwari being charged by the police, or whether Pirates will release a further statement offering more clarity at a later stage, but they have confirmed that he will remain suspended by the club pending an investigation. Pirates also included in the statement that, the reason why they could not divulge more information on this situation pertaining to Motshwari is due to respecting the legal process that now comes with these charges.

“Orlando Pirates Football Club can confirm that it has suspended midfielder Ben Mothswari after being charged by police this morning. Mr Motshwari will remain suspended, pending an investigation. The matter is subject to a legal process and the Club is therefore unable to make further comment until that process is complete.”

Motshwari had appeared to lose his place in the Pirates starting line up of late, with new signings Goodman Mosele from Baroka FC as well as Academy product Ntsako Makhubela signed back to the club from Golden Arrows being elevated ahead of him in that Buccaneers midfield pecking order. The Pirates coaches Fadlu Davids and Mandla Ncikazi then decided to bring Motshwari on as a substitute, replacing goal scorer Abel Mabaso with just eight minutes left on the clock, in their 1-3 come from behind victory against Gavin Hunt’s Chippa United away at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Saturday.