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Four key observations from Pirates training: Noteworthy absences

Orlando Pirates. Picture courtesy of Orlando Pirates/X

With Orlando Pirates preparing for the highly anticipated MTN8 final against Stellenbosch FC, FARPost made key observations at their training session at the Rand Stadium on Tuesday morning.

The Soweto giants are set to face Stellenbosch in the final at Mbombela Stadium this Saturday, September 13th. This marks the fourth consecutive final for Pirates, who have won the last three MTN8 titles under their former coach, Jose Riveiro.

Pirates could become the first team in the PSL to win the MTN8 trophy four times in a row should they defeat a tricky Stellies side.

As Pirates prepare for their upcoming match against the Winelands-based side, several key team members have been absent from training.

Last week, the club released a statement confirming that some team personnel were injured in a road accident, which accounts for their absence.

FARPost looks at the four takeaways from the Pirates’ training ahead of the top-eight final.

1. ABDESLAM OUADDOU BACK AT TRAINING

The former Marumo Gallants coach, Abdeslam Ouaddou, has returned to training and looks set to be on the bench this coming weekend against Stellenbosch after being involved in an accident.

Ouaddou was seen wearing an arm sling when he took charge of the training session at Rand Stadium on Tuesday.

Abdeslam Ouaddou and Nkosinathi Sibisi. Picture courtesy of Orlando Pirates/Facebook

2. NKOSINATHI SIBISI, THABISO SESANE, AND MAKHEHLENE MAKHAULA BACK REJOIN THE PIRATES SQUAD

The Sea Robbers have been boosted by the return of the Sibisi, Makhaula, and Sesane, who have been missing in action due to injury setbacks.

Sibisi started the first two matches of the season in the MTN8 and Betway Premiership against Polokwane City FC and Sekhukhune United before picking up a knock.

Meanwhile, Sesane and Makhaula have missed all the opening matches of the season for Pirates, nursing the injuries they sustained last season.

In addition, Patrick Maswanganyi is also back i the rest of the squad after getting injured against Chippa United just before the FIFA international break.

3. SIYABONGA MPONSTANE WORKING WITH GOALKEEPERS

Former Pirates goalkeeper Siyabonga Mpontshane took the goalkeepers through their paces, with Tyron Damons unavailable.

Pirates coach, Ouaddou, couldn’t give clarity on the situation in the goalkeeper coach department and said the club has released a statement about the accident, hinting that Damons is one of the members who are still receiving medical attention.

On the other hand, Pirates vice captain, Tapelo Xoki, was also absent from the training grounds, although the reasons behind his absence are unclear.

4. NEW FACE SPOTTED AT TRAINING

Despite signing over 10 players in the current transfer window, a new face was spotted at training, suggesting that the Buccaneers could be looking to make more recruitments.

A player unknown in the PSLl was spotted training with the Ghosts, wearing a training kit without an allocated number, seemingly being assessed by the technical team.