Pirates suffer injury blow ahead of MTN8 clash against SuperSport
Orlando Pirates have suffered an injury blow ahead of their MTN8 quarter-finals tie against SuperSport United this evening.
The Soweto giants are set to welcome Matsatsantsa at Orlando Stadium for the MTN8 clash on Saturday, with kickoff set for 18:00.
The Sea Robbers medical team confirmed that defender Thabiso Lebitso won’t make the matchday squad for the Buccaneers match against Gavin Hunt-coached side.
It was revealed that Lebitso couldn’t recover on time from an injury he sustained during their pre-season training camp friendly against Al Sadd last month.
Lebitso is the eighth player to be added to the Soweto giants’ injury list before the start of the new season.
Lebitso, who plays as a right-back, had a serious tackle [challenge] with the Al Sadd defender Musaab Khidir, forcing him to be ruled out for at least three months due to the knee injury he suffered.
Meanwhile, midfielder Miguel Timm is a doubt for the SuperSport showdown as he also sustained an ankle injury injury against Al Sadd. The former Marumo Gallants man is set to “undergo a late fitness test.”
UPDATE ON OTHER ORLANDO PIRATES INJURED PLAYERS
The club further revealed that Paseka Mako who has been nursing his knee, has concluded his rehabilitation stage.
Mako is scheduled to start with his partial training and he is expected to be back in September 2024.
Tapelo Xoki who is also recovering from a knee injury, has begun with intermediate rehab phase. He is also expected to be back from the injury next month.
Goodman Mosele who recently returned to the club from Chippa United on a loan spell, has already started with the intermediate rehab phase of his knee injury. Mosele is set to be back with the team in November 2024.
Zakhele Lepasa is in the acute rehab phase of his ankle injury. Pirates confirmed that his return date will be known upon further assessment.
Boitumelo Radiopane who also returned from a loan deal from relegated Cape Town Spurs is in the acute rehab phase of his abductor setback. His return date with the club will announced in due course.
Lastly, Bandile Shandu has begun with intermediate rehabilitation phase after his ankle injury. Shandu is set to be back in mid-September 2024.
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