Orlando Pirates have been dealt a major blow ahead of the much-awaited MTN8 final against AmaZulu at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday evening (18:00).
Pirates will have to do without the trio of captain Innocent Maela, Fortune Makaringe and Goodman Mosele.
The three have been ruled out of the final due to injury. Maela failed to pass the late fitness test after sustaining a hamstring injury last Saturday against Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto derby.
Mosele, who has been an ever-present figure in the Pirates midfield, was also withdrawn after what seemed like an injury.
However, during the week, as Pirates prepared for the game, he was part of the team, raising hopes that he would soon return.
Orlando Pirates have been dealt a major blow ahead of the much-awaited MTN8 final.
Pirates will have to do without the trio of captain Innocent Maela, Fortune Makaringe and Goodman Mosele.
The three have been ruled out of the final due to injury. Maela failed to pass the late fitness test after sustaining a hamstring injury last Saturday against Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto derby.
Mosele, who has been an ever-present figure in the Pirates midfield, was also withdrawn after what seemed like an injury.
However, during the week, as Pirates prepared for the game, he was part of the team, raising hopes that he would soon return.
Speaking at the Adidas activation in Durban, Maela confirmed his unavailability for this evening’s encounter.
He said that a decision had been taken “not to risk the injury”. Earlier in the week, Maela had indicated that they would wait to see if he would be fit to play.
“People saw that I couldn’t finish the match due to a niggle that I had. But I am still busy with the team doctors and physios. It’s still early to tell,” Maela said on Tuesday.
He went on to say he was feeling good, expressing confidence that he would participate in the final.
“I feel good though, and I am confident. But we’ll see as the week goes. There’s nothing that has been confirmed.”
In his absence, Pirates coach Jose Riveiro could look to Paseka Mako or Tebogo Tlolane. Alternatively, former AmaZulu captain Tapelo Xoki could slot in because of his match fitness and experience.
