Football careers have to move on. Just ask the former Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Richard Ofori. Why did he choose AmaZulu after the Sea Robbers?
RICHARD OFORI JOINS AMAZULU
The arrival of Sipho Chaine, who is a better goalkeeper when it comes to passing and distribution, was the beginning of the end for Ofori’s career at Orlando Pirates.
Melusi Buthelezi arrived a season later to make Ofori third choice. The Ghanaian was released before the start of the season before joining AmaZulu.
“I received a few [offers] but it was not something that I was looking for. I was waiting for the right opportunity and I got a call from AmaZulu and I was excited to come here because it feels like home here.
“When I got that call, I didn’t hesitate because it was the opportunity I was waiting for.
“It has been good since I arrived here in Durban and it is not my first time being here. I was here for a couple of years.
“Everything has been going well even though I had a few challenges because of the change of coaches,” Ofori concluded.
ORLANDO PIRATES INJURY NEWS
Soon before Saturday’s shock 3-2 loss to Magesi FC in the Carling Knockout, Orlando Pirates announced nine players are injured, including Olisa Ndah, Tapelo Xoki, Zakhele Lepasa and Bandile Shandu.
Full Statement by the club:
“Orlando Pirates will play host to newly promoted club Magesi FC at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday in their Carling Black Label Cup opener. Unfortunately, the Buccaneers will be without key defender Olisa Ndah, who faces an extended period on the sidelines.
“The Nigerian international who missed out on playing the MTN8 final after suffering an injury in the league match against Polokwane City, is expected to be out on the sidelines for a lengthy spell. The Bucs medical department has confirmed that the 26-year-old has suffered a tibia fracture. Due to the location and nature of the injury; the decision on surgery is not straightforward but based on this type of injury, Ndah has been ruled out for the rest of the year.
In addition to Ndah’s injury, the medical department provided updates on other players in recovery:
Thalente Mbatha
“Continues to undergo rehabilitation regarding the injury he suffered in Pirates 3-1 win over Stellenbosch FC in the MTN8. The Bucs medical team will continue to monitor his progress this week before clearing him to return to full training.
Bandile Shandu
“Has started full training with the team. He has also begun playing 35 minutes for friendly matches. This load will increase every week until he reaches 90 minutes without feeling any discomfort.
Tapelo Xoki
“Has been cleared to return to full training , with focus on agility drills before being allowed to participate in friendly matches.
Goodman Mosele
“Is currently undergoing intermediate rehabilitation phase. He has started jogging and the team has slowly introduced heavy loaded weight training.
Zakhele Lepasa
“Like Mosele, Lepasa is also currently undergoing intermediate rehabilitation phase. He has started running on the field and strength training.
Thabiso Lebitso
“Has started running as part of his progression. Scheduled to start plyometric training as of next week.
Continues with external biokinetic training to improve strength in hamstring and quadriceps.
Sandile Mthethwa
“Sustained an abdominal muscle strain during training. He is attending rehabilitation sessions with a visceral therapist that deals with this type of injuries.
Ethan Visagie
“Sustained a right ankle sprain during training. Post orthopaedic consultation; conservative treatment was suggested as strategy for his recovery,” Orlando Pirates concluded.
