Orlando Pirates assess Mbatha and Makgopa injuries before Chippa United clash

Orlando Pirates are waiting for further medical assessments on Thalente Mbatha and Evidence Makgopa after head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou confirmed that both players are currently injured.

The pair have missed recent matches for the Buccaneers, with Mbatha unavailable for Wednesday’s trip to Durban and Makgopa yet to feature for the club this season.

Ouaddou provided the update after Pirates were held to a draw by AmaZulu in their Betway Premiership meeting at Kings Park Stadium.

The coach said both players were carrying problems from last season and were now being examined by the club’s medical department. He did not provide a timescale for either player’s return.

“Yeah, they are actually between the hands of the medical department,” said Ouaddou.

“I think they had some problems since the last season that bothered them, both of them, underneath.

“I cannot give you more deep information about that, but I know it’s just they have some exam with the doctors to do and I hope it’s not so bad for them.

“But actually, both of them are injured.”

Mbatha has established himself as an important member of the Orlando Pirates midfield since joining the club, while Makgopa gives Ouaddou an additional attacking option when fit and available.

Their injuries come at a demanding point in the campaign, with Pirates already competing in both the MTN8 and the Betway Premiership. The club now faces another league fixture only a few days after dropping points against AmaZulu.

Pirates will stay in Durban for Sunday’s match against Chippa United at Kings Park Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00.

Ouaddou will be hoping the medical checks provide a clearer picture of the injuries and the likely recovery periods for both players before that fixture. The coach must also manage his squad carefully as the Buccaneers balance their commitments across more than one competition.

Pirates will be seeking a return to winning form against Chippa United, while avoiding any further injury setbacks during the busy opening stretch of the season.

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