Orlando Pirates right-back Thabiso Lebitso has been ruled out of Wednesday’s Betway Premiership confrontation with Mamelodi Sundowns at the iconic FNB Stadium in Soweto.
Having been battling with fitness issues of late, the experienced defender appeared to be in line for selection ahead of the top-of-the-table encounter. During training at the Rand Stadium on Monday, Lebitso was working out with the rest of the squad, participating in full drills and not with those doing light training.
That gave a hint of his comeback, but Pirates have announced that he remains sidelined. The 33-year-old last played competitive football during the Carling Knockout Cup final against Marumo Gallants in December, where he lasted the entire match, which spilled into extra time.
That has seen him miss the four games Pirates have so far played in 2026 as he works his way back to full fitness.
“They [Pirates] head to their assignment against the Tshwane giants with no fresh suspension worries, while the likes of Tapelo Xoki and Thabiso Lebitso continue to recover from their respective injuries,” Pirates announced on Tuesday.
However, coach Abdeslam Ouaddou might not be worried by the absence of Lebitso. The Moroccan has Deano van Rooyen and Kamogelo Sebelebele as cover at right-back.
Another right-back, Bandile Shandu, is not fully fit, having last featured in a competitive match in August 2025.
WHAT OUADDOU HAS POURED INTO PIRATES PREPARING FOR SUNDOWNS
“About this game, I think it’s been a while since we’ve been preparing. Let’s say two weeks ago, we already started having the game in our mind,” Ouaddou said.
“Even though we were focused on the Nedbank Cup and the Marumo Gallants match as well, we prepared well, mentally and physically, of course… we will go deeper in terms of tactical [preparations].
“But my players are ready, there is a lot of trust, a lot of confidence and unity as well, something that speaks to us, something that is with us since the beginning of the season.
“These kinds of games are special for the players, coaches and the fans. It is one of the biggest Classicos in Africa.”
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