Pirates’ injury crisis deepens as key players drop out

Orlando Pirates have seen their squad depth shrink after fresh injury setbacks and a string of departures, leaving the champions with fewer options for upcoming matches.

Midfield and attacking concerns

According to The South African, Evidence Makgopa will miss action after aggravating an existing knee injury. The report states Makgopa previously played through the issue at the World Cup and now requires time on the sidelines.

The same report says Orlando Pirates could only manage a 1-1 draw with AmaZulu, and that Tshepang Moremi was withdrawn with an injury, as was Sihle Nduli.

Captain back after hobbling off

Sibisi returned to action after hobbling off in the Durban City game, The South African reports.

Departures reshaping the squad

The South African lists a number of players who have left the club as the team shapes up for the season ahead. The report names the following departures: Thabiso Sesane, Selaelo Rasebotja, Siyabonga Ndlozi, Gomolemo Khoto, Sonwabo Khumalo, Blessing Ngiba, Seth Green, Thabiso Lebitso, Bandile Shandu, Sipho Mbule, Tshegofatso Mabasa and Relebohile Mofokeng.

What this means for Pirates

The combination of injuries and recent departures has reduced available options for matches, according to club and media sources cited by The South African. Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s comments about selection were reported in the same source.

Source: The South African https://www.thesouthafrican.com/sport/soccer/psl-south-africa/orlando-pirates-injury-situation-goes-from-bad-to-worse/