Orlando Pirates hand injury boost as Oswin Appollis returns before African Stars tie

Orlando Pirates will be without Kamogelo Sebelebele for their CAF Champions League meeting with African Stars, while Oswin Appollis has returned to training ahead of Friday’s second leg.

Sebelebele was absent when Pirates trained on Thursday as they completed their preparations for the match at the Orlando Amstel Arena. The Buccaneers take a 1-0 lead into the game against the Namibian club as they attempt to reach the next round of Africa’s premier club competition.

The 24-year-old right-back has not featured since suffering an injury during the MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns on October 10. He was withdrawn in the first half of the match at Moses Mabhida Stadium, with Appollis coming on at half-time.

Sebelebele was later pictured using crutches while collecting his runners-up medal, prompting concern over the seriousness of the problem. He also missed the first leg against African Stars, with Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou confirming before that match that the defender was unavailable.

The club has not yet provided an official diagnosis or recovery timeframe. However, indications from sources close to the situation are that Sebelebele could be out for an extended period.

Appollis return managed carefully

Appollis’ return to the training pitch offered encouragement to Pirates before a demanding sequence of fixtures. The 25-year-old winger had missed the first meeting with African Stars after being carried off during the club’s 3-0 Betway Premiership victory over TS Galaxy.

Ouaddou confirmed at Thursday’s media open day that the Bafana Bafana international had resumed training. The Pirates coach also indicated that the club’s technical team was being cautious in managing Appollis’ return.

Pirates will now decide whether the winger is ready to play any part in Friday night’s match, with the side seeking to protect its narrow advantage and progress in the CAF Champions League.