As the DStv Premiership returns, Orlando Pirates have confirmed that four key players are still out nursing injuries.
Ahead of their clash against Mamelodi Sundowns on Friday afternoon, Pirates had amassed 19 points from 13 games.
As they approach the halfway mark, the Buccaneers will look to turn their fortunes around.
However, Pirates coach Jose Riveiro will have to do without some key players. Below are the four players ruled out.
TEBOGO TLOLANE
The right wing-back Tebogo Tlolane is only expected back to full training in mid-January after suffering a medial collateral ligament (MCL) tear.
The 28-year-old has only made two DStv Premiership appearances this season, and his absence should not disrupt Riveiro’s plans.
The last time he was in action was 4 September when he played five minutes against Maritzburg United.
OLISA NDAH
In central defence, Riveiro will miss the services of Olisa Ndah until the end of January.
The Nigerian reportedly picked a niggle. He has played 12 of Pirates’ 13 league games this season, translating to 838 minutes of action.
The Super Eagles defender, who has caught the interest of overseas teams, is easily one of Pirates’ centre-backs, and Riveiro will be hoping to have him back soon.
RICHARD OFORI
First-choice goalkeeper Richard Ofori, who missed the FIFA World Cup, is also out until the end of January.
Ofori has been on and off this season due to injury and has missed some crucial games.
Siyabonga Mpontshane looks likely to hold fort in his absence despite his Soweto derby blunder that cost them maximum points.
THEMBINKOSI LORCH
Another key player missing is Thembinkosi Lorch, and he is reportedly due back at the end of January.
The Bafana Bafana attacker has been out since August, when he was withdrawn during a game against SuperSport United.
“He is on track to rejoin his teammates for most of the second half of the season,” read the Orlando Pirates website.
Meanwhile, Pirates have been boosted by the return of defenders Innocent Maela and Nkosinathi Sibisi to full training after both picked up niggles prior to the recess.
Maela missed the MTN8 Cup final, while Sibisi was taken off early in that game against AmaZulu, which Pirates won 1-0 to lift their first piece of silverware this season.
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