Orlando Pirates issue injury update before Chippa United clash

Orlando Pirates have confirmed that Thalente Mbatha and Evidence Makgopa will miss Sunday’s Betway Premiership meeting with Chippa United, while Sihle Nduli is considered a doubt after being forced off in midweek.

The Buccaneers will face Chippa United at Kings Park Stadium, the same venue where they drew 1-1 with AmaZulu on Wednesday.

That match was overshadowed by a serious-looking challenge from Nthandokosi Ngwenya on Nduli. The Orlando Pirates midfielder was unable to continue and had to be stretchered from the pitch.

Pirates have not yet provided a definitive assessment of Nduli’s injury, but the midfielder has been listed as a “doubtful starter” for their next fixture. His availability will therefore remain uncertain ahead of the weekend contest.

The club has confirmed, however, that Mbatha and Makgopa will remain sidelined. Their absences will reduce the options available to head coach Jose Riveiro as Pirates look to return to winning ways after being held by AmaZulu.

There was more encouraging news in the club’s latest squad update, with Kabelo Dlamini and Masindi Nemtajela nearing a return. Both players are in Durban with the rest of the squad, suggesting they are moving closer to involvement.

New striker Sebastian Pedersen is also available to strengthen the attacking options, while Sifiso Luthuli adds further depth in the forward positions.

“Having been forced to share the spoils in the one-all draw against Usuthu, the Buccaneers now take to the Kings Park turf once more,” the club stated in their preview.

“They will however have to do without a few first-team regulars in Thalente Mbatha and Evidence Makgopa, while midfielder Sihle Nduli is another doubtful starter after his early withdrawal from Wednesday night’s fixture.

“The midfield department could soon be bolstered by the imminent return of Kabelo Dlamini and Masindi Nemtajela, both in Durban with the rest of the squad, while Sebastian Pedersen and Sifiso Luthuli add to the forward options ahead of Sunday’s assignment.”

The draw with AmaZulu left Pirates preparing for another match at Kings Park Stadium within the same week. Their immediate focus is now on Chippa United, with the injury situation involving Nduli one of the main points to monitor before kick-off.

Pirates will also have to manage the confirmed absences of Mbatha and Makgopa, although the potential return of Dlamini and Nemtajela, together with the availability of Pedersen and Luthuli, provides some balance to the team news.

The club’s update does not give a specific timeframe for Nduli’s recovery. For now, he remains a doubt for Sunday, following the incident that brought an early end to his involvement against AmaZulu.