Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has issued an injury update on the club’s key trio, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Olisa Ndah, and Makhehleni Makhaula, ahead of their all-important MTN8 semi-final first-leg tie.
The Soweto giants are preparing for a mouth-watering clash against Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 semi-final on Saturday [15h00] at Orlando Stadium.
Pirates and Sundowns will lock horns over two legs to fight for a spot in the final of the tournament.
In the quarter-final, defending champions Pirates defeated Polokwane City FC with a 2-0 scoreline, while the Brazilians thrashed Richards Bay FC 4-0.
Since claiming a win in the MTN8, Pirates have failed to register a win in the two opening matches of the new Betway Premiership season. The Sea Robbers suffered two successive defeats against Sekhukhune United and Marumo Gallants in the league.
The disappointing results have put Pirates under pressure going into the match against Downs as they are desperate for a victory.
SIBISI, MAKHAULA, AND NDAH REMAIN SIDELINED
With Pirates aiming to return to winning ways, Ouaddou has revealed that key players, Sibisi, Ndah, and Makhaula, remain sidelined ahead of the showdown with Masandawana.
Sibisi, who was recently handed the captain’s armband at the club, played the first two matches for Pirates before missing the trip to Bloemfontein to face Gallants due to an injury.
Meanwhile, Ndah and Makhaula are yet to make the matchday squad after sustaining injuries in the previous campaign.
“Most of the players are available; we only have Sibisi and Makhaula, who are still coming back from injury. We also have Ndah [who is still injured], but most players are available,” Ouaddou said during the MTN8 press conference at the PSL headquarters in Parktown on Thursday.
In addition, the Moroccan coach is yet to use some of the last season’s key players, such as Thalente Mbatha, Tshegofatso Mabasa, and Deano Van Rooyen.
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