Betway Premiership defending champions Orlando Pirates have issued injury updates on the club captain Nkosinathi Sibisi, midfielder Thalente Mbatha and striker Evidence Makgopa ahead of their crucial CAF Champions League clash against Mauritius’ La Cure Waves.
The Buccaneers are scheduled to lock horns with the Mauritanian side at Orlando Stadium Arena in Soweto on Saturday afternoon. The match kicks off at 15:00. Pirates drew 0-0 in the first leg against La Cure Waves last weekend away from home.
The trio has missed recent action due to injury, but Pirates have now issued a positive update on their recovery.
CAPTAIN NKOSINATHI SIBISI LEADS RETURN OF ORLANDO PIRATES KEY DUO
Sibisi, who missed the Sea Robbers’ last three fixtures across all competitions, is on the verge of making his comeback to reinforce the defence.
In a statement released on the club’s official website on Friday, 11 September, the Buccaneers confirmed that the experienced centre-back is closing in on his return.
“Further reinforcements could come in the form of club captain Nkosinathi Sibisi, who could soon return to action after missing out on the Soweto Giants’ last three fixtures,” reads the club’s statement.
THALENTE MBATHA AND EVIDENCE MAKGOPA INCH CLOSER TO FULL TRAINING
There is also positive progress regarding influential midfielder Mbatha and centre-forward Makgopa.
Mbatha missed Pirates’ last six matches, while Bafana Bafana forward Makgopa has been sidelined throughout the initial stages of the new campaign. Both players are now progressing well in their rehabilitation programs.
“Midfielder Thalente Mbatha meanwhile continues to edge closer to a return to full training alongside striker Evidence Makgopa,” the statement added.
The club’s medical team will keep close tabs on the trio’s progress as they race against time to reach full fitness ahead of a demanding schedule.
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