Orlando Pirates face late Tshepang Moremi fitness call for MTN8 semi-final

Tshepang Moremi is expected to undergo another late fitness assessment before Orlando Pirates decide whether he can play in Saturday’s MTN8 semi-final second leg against Sekhukhune United.

The Buccaneers will host Sekhukhune at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday afternoon, with a place in the MTN8 final at stake after the first-leg meeting between the teams.

Moremi missed Tuesday’s league fixture against Sekhukhune after he was unable to pass a late fitness test. The 25-year-old Bafana Bafana winger is continuing his recovery from the injury he suffered during Pirates’ 1-1 draw with AmaZulu.

Pirates confirmed Moremi’s absence before Tuesday’s match, saying: “The Buccaneers will be without Tshepang Moremi, who did not pass a late fitness test ahead of the encounter. The Bafana Bafana winger continues to recover from the injury he sustained during Pirates’ 1-1 draw against AmaZulu.”

However, there are positive indications regarding the player’s condition, with sources close to the situation suggesting that Moremi has made progress since the previous assessment.

The Pirates technical team is expected to monitor his recovery before deciding whether he is fit enough to be included in the squad for the decisive cup tie. His availability is likely to be confirmed only closer to kick-off.

Moremi’s possible return would provide Pirates with another option in attack as they attempt to secure their place in the MTN8 final. The club will nevertheless take a cautious approach, with the winger’s fitness to be judged after a further assessment.

The final decision will be made by the technical team once Moremi’s condition has been reviewed. Until then, the Bafana Bafana international remains a doubt for the second leg, despite having progressed in his recovery.

Pirates’ match against Sekhukhune on Tuesday came after Moremi failed to convince the medical staff that he was ready to return. The latest indications suggest that his situation has improved, but he must still pass another late test before being cleared to feature.

The Buccaneers will therefore wait until nearer the start of Saturday afternoon’s match before determining whether Moremi can play any part in the MTN8 semi-final second leg.