Orlando Pirates will be without nine players when they face Magesi F.C. in the Telkom Knockout Cup.
The Buccaneers have enjoyed a perfect start to the season winning the MTN8 Cup and their opening three league games.
They lie second on the log with six goals to their name as Relebohile Mofokeng and Monnapule Saleng continue to cause headaches for defenders.
Injury concerns
An Orlando Pirates representative reported that key player Olisa Ndah will be out for the rest of the year, saying, “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.”
The same source provided updates on eight other players:
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 while he 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”.
Who do you want to see healthy for Orlando Pirates?
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