Gamphani Lungu returns as Orlando Pirates resume Betway Premiership campaign

Orlando Pirates have confirmed Gamphani Lungu is available again for Thursday night’s Betway Premiership meeting with Durban City at Orlando Amstel Arena.

The Zambia winger suffered a brief injury after being substituted early in Pirates’ 4-0 victory over Kruger United earlier this month. Lungu had scored from the penalty spot before being forced off, prompting concerns that he might face a longer spell on the sidelines.

Pirates have now included the 27-year-old in their squad for the return to domestic league action.

“Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s squad could be boosted by the return of winger Tshepang Moremi who was kept out of Champions League action by suspension, while Gamphani Lungu is also back after a brief injury spell,” the club said on its official website.

Lungu has made an immediate impact since joining Pirates, scoring four goals and supplying one assist in seven appearances. His return gives head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou another attacking option as the Buccaneers seek to maintain their unbeaten start to the league season.

Moremi also available

Pirates will also be able to call on Tshepang Moremi, who missed their CAF Champions League fixture against La Cure Waves after being suspended.

The pair’s availability comes as Pirates attempt to make up ground at the top of the Betway Premiership. Their involvement in continental competition has left them with matches in hand, although they have taken 13 points from their opening five league games without defeat.

Durban City are ninth in the table, with six points from five matches.

Lungu’s return is also timely for Zambia. He was recently selected for the Chipolopolo squad for their upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Algeria and Togo.

He is the only player based in South Africa included in Zambia’s squad for those fixtures.

Pirates will be looking to build on their strong opening to the domestic campaign when they face Durban City, with Ouaddou now having both Lungu and Moremi available for the league contest.