Orlando Pirates receive boost as Kamogelo Sebelebele nears return

Orlando Pirates are hopeful Kamogelo Sebelebele will be available again early next month after making encouraging progress in his recovery from injury.

The 24-year-old has been sidelined since suffering a setback during Pirates’ MTN8 final defeat by Mamelodi Sundowns in October. His absence has reduced head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s options on the right side of defence.

Sebelebele has missed a couple of matches and was also unavailable for the Bafana Bafana double-header against Kenya in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Ouaddou said towards the end of October that the former TS Galaxy attacker had returned to training, although the Pirates technical team was being cautious with his rehabilitation.

According to KickOff sources close to the situation, Sebelebele’s recovery is progressing sufficiently for him to be considered for a return to competitive action at the beginning of next month.

His availability would give Pirates another defensive option as they attempt to maintain their momentum in domestic and continental competitions. While right-back is his main position, his pace and ability to beat defenders mean he can also contribute further forward.

Pirates also monitoring Lungu

Pirates are managing another injury concern involving a player who can operate in more than one position.

Ghamphani Lungu, who can play as either a winger or right-back, has been ruled out of Zambia’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier double-header against Burundi after suffering a right ankle sprain.

The injury has also placed his participation in the Carling Knockout Cup semi-final against Stellenbosch FC in doubt.

The simultaneous absences of Sebelebele and Lungu present an additional challenge for Ouaddou as he prepares Pirates for their forthcoming fixtures.

However, the club will be keen to avoid rushing Sebelebele back before he has fully recovered. His progress is expected to become clearer as he moves closer to a return to first-team competition.