Mike Makaab, the agent of Sipho Mbule and Thalente Mbatha, has revealed why the Orlando Pirates duo did not feature in Saturday’s Nedbank Cup Round of 16 tie against Casric Stars at the Orlando Amstel Arena.
The Buccaneers exited from the Nedbank Cup following a shock 5-4 penalty shootout defeat. After a goalless draw in regulation time, the Motsepe Foundation Championship outfit dragged the Soweto giants into extra time, where matters remained 0-0.
It then took a shootout to separate the two teams and Pirates were on the losing end. Casric Stars are now in the quarter-finals of the biggest knockout competition in South African football.
It was a match in which Mbule and Mbatha were not in the matchday squad. Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou picked Makhehlene Makhaula, Masindi Nemtajela and Patrick Maswanganyi to start in his midfield.
Before the match, the Buccaneers had announced that Mbule was in line to start the match. He had been an unused substitute in a Betway Premiership showdown against Mamelodi Sundowns three days earlier.
Also expected to feature against Casric Stars was Mbatha, who has now missed three straight games.
WHY DID MBULE AND MBATHA MISS PIRATES’ MATCH AGAINST CASRIC STARS?
“Carrying injuries,” Makaab gave a brief response when asked by a fan on social media if the two players were having issues.
The top agent was further probed as to why his response contradicted Pirates’ statement stating that Mbule was fit to play, the day before the match.
“It is a club’s prerogative to release news about its players,” Makaab answered. “I cannot comment on behalf of the club.”
PIRATES SWITCH FOCUS TO SOWETO DERBY CONFRONTATION WITH CHIEFS
Pirates now turn their attention to the upcoming Saturday’s Soweto Derby clash with Kaizer Chiefs. They have the whole week to prepare for their arch-rivals.
While the Buccaneers have more time to ready themselves, Chiefs have a mid-week PSL assignment against Stellenbosch FC. Pirates go into the derby after losing their last two games, but Oswin Appollis is confident they will put their house in order.
“We will definitely bounce back. We have the whole week to prepare for our next game. So, we will definitely put in the work to focus on the next game,” Appollis said.
RELATED STORY: Ouaddou lifts lid on Kabelo Dlamini’s absence at Pirates
