Orlando Pirates are gearing up for a crucial CAF Champions League Group C clash against Al Ahly.
As the Soweto giants fine-tuned their preparations at Orlando Stadium, the media gained insights into their squad.
Here are five key observations from the training session:
36 PIRATES PLAYERS IN SESSION
Coach Jose Riveiro confirmed that 36 players are currently available for selection. This is a significant improvement from recent weeks when injuries had depleted the squad.
“What I can tell is you that we’re training right now with 36 players available for selection,” Riveiro told journalists.
“Luckily, we have even the long term injuries coming right. There’s a small group of players who are not available. Actually, four exactly which aren’t available [for selection]. Everybody is pushing this week to be part of the 20, to be part of the starting XI and that’s a bit new for the team.”
PIRATES’ NOTABLE INJURY RETURNEES
There is some encouraging news from the Bucs’ camp. Just a little over a week, the club confirmed a number of players had returned to training.
Defender Tapelo Xoki, Sandile Mthethwa, Thabiso Lebitso, Thuso Moleleki and Ethan Visagie were all part of the group. While they all didn’t feature in the last game against Stellenbosch FC, they were part of the team preparing for Al Ahly.
Riveiro may not want to rush them, but they look likely to play a part as the season progresses. With Olisa Ndah out until the new year, the return of Xoki could add a bit of steel to the defence.
THE RETURN OF GOODMAN MOSELE
When the club gave the last injury update on November 26, Goodman Mosele was among three players that were still undergoing rehabilitation.
However, the former Baroka FC midfielder was part of the 36 players in training. It appears he has made progress and is inching towards a return to the field.
NO ZAKHELE LEPASA AND OLISA NDAH
While Mosele joined the rest of the group, Lepasa and Ndah were not present. The 26-year-old, Ndah, who faces an extended period on the sidelines, suffered the injury in the league match against Polokwane City FC.
The Nigerian international suffered a tibia fracture. Lepasa has reportedly started running and strength training after an injury he sustained last season in April. The striker is yet to feature for the club this season.
MONNAPULE SALENG TRAINING
Monnapule Saleng, who has not made a matchday squad in the last five matches, was present at training.
The talented winger has been instrumental for the Bucs in the last two seasons. In his absence, 20-year-old Mohau Nkota has been impressive, scoring four goals in eight appearances in all competitions.
Saleng’s availability could prove a boost for Riveiro as he ventures deeper into the Africa Safari. He has goals and assists in him that could be crucial as they look to compete in all fronts.
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