Former Pirates Star Justin Shonga Parts Ways with Egyptian Club Ismaily SC over Unpaid Wages, Agent Claims

• Justin Shonga's agent claims that the former Orlando Pirates star hasn't been paid by Ismaily SC since signing for them in October this year
• The Egyptian club terminated Shonga's contract by mutual consent after a prolonged battle with the player's agent
• The former Pirates player find himself a free agent ahead of the January transfer window after his contract was terminated

Former Orlando Pirates player Justin Shonga has parted ways with Ismaily SC after barely three months with the Egyptian club.

Shonga's representative Karabo Tshabuse said the club had failed to pay his wages since joining.

“Justin has not been paid since arrival, we sent the club a letter of demand, which they ignored, they then tell our client they have no money and Justin should leave for free, if he wants,” Tshabuse told Soccer Laduma.

Shonga was an integral part of Pirates during his three-year stint there and scored 16 goals and in 77 games. He also contributed with 16 assists.

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He struggled to find form after he left the Buccaneers but his signing by the Egyptian club was viewed by many as a fresh start for the talented Zambian forward.

Shonga's situation akin to hostage, says agent

Shonga's agent also claimed that the Egyptian club withheld the player's passport, describing it as being akin to a hostage situation. The club and player eventually reached a settlement, leading to Shonga and the club parting ways.

Shonga becomes 2nd foreign player to leave club this week

Goal.com on Twitter reported that Shonga and Ismaily SC had terminated Shonga's contract by mutual consent. They also reported that Shonga is the second foreign player to leave the Egyptian club this week following the departure of Benson Shilongo.

One Twitter user also disputed claims that Shonga's contract termination had to do with him not being paid. @MangoMania1924 claimed that the Egyptian club released Shonga because of his poor performance on field and in training.

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Justin Shonga prepares for a big money move after being offered R10 million contract

Sports Brief earlier reported that the former Orlando Pirates striker Justin Shonga was reportedly offered a contract for around R10 million as he continued his search for a new club.

Since parting company with Cape Town City FC at the end of last season, Shonga, 24, had remained jobless. According to Soccer Laduma sources, Algeria's JS Kabylie has offered the Zambian international a deal for roughly R10 million.

Prior to the start of the current DStv Premiership season, Shonga had a trial with Benni McCarthy's AmaZulu, but nothing came of it. He then would later sign with Ismaily SC after turning down JS Kabylie.