Orlando Pirates have provided an injury update on Olisa Ndah, Deano Van Rooyen and Nkosinathi Sibisi. The Buccaneers, who booked an MTN8 final place on Saturday, shift focus to the Betway Premiership.
They face newcomers Orbit College FC at Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Tuesday night. Kick off is 19h30.
Pirates, buoyed by their penalty shootout victory over Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday in Pretoria, are now in a position to potentially secure their fourth consecutive MTN8 title. The two-legged semi-final ended in a 2-2 aggregate stalemate before being decided by penalties at the packed Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville.
WHAT IS THE LATEST ON NDAH, SIBISI & VAN ROOYEN
While there is positive news regarding Nigerian defender Ndah, Bucs fans will have to wait a bit longer for the return of Van Rooyen and Sibisi.
Ndah is vying for a starting spot, but it seems unlikely that coach Abdeslam Ouaddou will alter the partnership of Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Lebone Seema. He may also want to avoid rushing Ndah back into the team.
The former Stellenbosch FC fullback, Van Rooyen, is doubtful for the Orbit clash after missing Saturday’s Sundowns game due to an injury sustained in the previous league match. The club’s new captain, Sibisi, is still recovering from a knock sustained recently.
“Deano van Rooyen is again among the doubtful starters after he took no part in cup action on Saturday, following an injury sustained in his side’s last league game. Pirates have, however, been boosted by the imminent return of defender Olisa Ndah, who has been back at training while fellow centre-back and captain Nkosinathi Sibisi continues to recover from a knock picked up earlier in the season,” Pirates wrote on their official website.
Pirates lost their first two matches against Sekhukhune United and Marumo Gallants. They got their first victory last after beating Stellenbosch, courtesy of in-form winger Kamogelo Sebelebele’s solitary goal.
They will be eager to pick up maximum points and climb up the league table.
Meanwhile, Orbit College will be without three key players—Monnapule Saleng, Thuso Moleleki, and Yanga Madiba—for their upcoming match against Pirates. The trio, who all played for the Buccaneers last season, joined Orbit on loan after the club’s promotion to the top flight. However, their loan agreement includes a clause that prevents them from facing their parent club.
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