Malinga has fallen out favour at Pirates since the departure of Serbian coach Milutin Sredojevic, under whom he saw a lot more action in the centre of the defence.

Sredojevic's successor Bibey Mutombo and current 'Bucs' coach Owena da Gama did not find a place for Malinga in their plans, with the former loaning out the lanky defender to Maritzburg United, who were relegated to the First Division in the 2006/07 season.

Malinga first sprung to prominence while playing for Maritzburg City and represented Bafana Bafana while still playing in the first division.

However, his recent inactivity aside, Leopards Chairman David Thidiela is on record as saying he believes the versatile Malinga would be a welcome addition to 'Lidoda Duvha's playing resources.

Whether on loan or on a permanent transfer, Thidiela is determined to add Malinga to the Limpopo-based outfit's books.

In other developments, former Chiefs winger Emmanuel ' Scara' Ngobese has done an about turn on his decision to join Leopards, opting rather for a move back to Durban, where he will turn out for Thanda Royal Zulu.