Orlando Pirates have some big defensive issues to ponder and nobody was expecting that a few weeks ago.
Sesane is out for the season
Outstanding 24-year-old Thabiso Sesane suffered a ruptured tendon in the narrow 2-1 win at Sekhukhune. The injury requires surgery and will rule him out for at least four months. It’s a massive blow for a player who has become a pillar of Jose Riveiro’s back four.
Strength in depth will be tested
It’s not as if Riveiro doesn’t have quality backup options. Sesane has been operating alongside Nkosinathi Sibisi while there’s also talented Nigerian Olisa Ndah, Tapelo Xoki and versatile, experienced club captain Innocent Maela. Worryingly, however, Sibisi’s form has dipped at a crucial time.
Masenyani on X said:
“The Pirates Management must rest Sibisi and use Ndah and Maela, at least Xoki can collect the ball. Sibisi is costing us a lot honestly.“
Former Chiefs star on Orlando Pirates’ radar?
According to Soccer-Laduma, Orlando Pirates see Omega Mdaka as an inexpensive, realistic alternative to the number-one priority target Fawaaz Basadien. 21-year-old Mdaka joined Stellenbosch in July 2024. He’s quickly become an important figure for the Winelands club, making six league appearances this term and 14 across all competitions.
Bucs turn their attention to Baroka
Next up for Riveiro’s side is a Nedbank Cup R16 clash at home against Baroka on Saturday 15 Feb at 15:00. The Sea Robbers return to Betway Premiership action on Wednesday 19 February, away to Golden Arrows. The kickoff in that clash is at 19:30. Thabiso Sesane will play no part having cruelly been ruled out of the season with a tendon rupture.
Pirates turned down big money for Mofokeng
According to SoccerLaduma, Orlando Pirates rejected a massive R25.8 million deadline-day offer from Egyptian giants Zamalek for Mofokeng. The Bafana youngster has become a talismanic figure for the Sea Robbers, churning out 10 goals and 11 assists already this term across all competitions.
What’s your favoured central defensive pairing while Sesane remains on the sidelines?
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