Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has moved in to clear the air regarding captain Nkosinathi Sibisi, following recent injury concerns over the centre-back.
The Buccaneers are preparing to face Motsepe Championship Foundation side Casric Stars FC in a Nedbank Cup Round of 16 match at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday evening. This is a trophy the Soweto giants are keen on reclaiming after rivals Kaizer Chiefs snatched it away from them last season.
The Casric Stars game comes before Pirates take on Chiefs in the Soweto Derby seven days later. Ouaddou has been rotating his players to keep them in good shape as the season has entered a taxing part.
Resting some key players against Casric Stars is expected from the former Marumo Gallants coach. If Ouaddou opts not to field some of his regulars, he would be protecting them for the derby.
Top performers, ever-present players, and those prone to injury are likely the candidates the coach will choose to rest.
OUADDOU ALLAYS INJURY FEARS ON CAPTAIN SIBISI
Sibisi appeared to struggle after receiving a knock in a Betway Premiership match against Marumo Gallants last week. He was then caught being slow to react to Mamelodi Sundowns’ attacks during the midweek 2-1 defeat at FNB Stadium.
That has sparked concerns that the former Lamontville Golden Arrows defender might not be in good shape for the Casric Stars match. Pirates fans’ fears about Sibisi have been fuelled by the fact that the Buccaneers have the Soweto Derby in a few days’ time.
“As long as our medical department, which is looking after the players, gives us the green light and he is part of the team and can train, I think he’s fine because you have seen him, he played [against Sundowns,” said Ouaddou.
“Of course, he is fit. If we had any problems with injuries, I’m sure that our medical department will tell us. But for the moment, he is fit; he’s ready to compete.”
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