McCarthy declares himself fit for Chiefs, but De Sa says No

09 Mar 2013 9:00:00 AM

Orlando Pirates would welcome defender Siyabonga Sangweni back into the squad for the first time since February, but Benni McCarthy is not going to play despite declaring himself fit

Champions Orlando Pirates received massive boost on Friday after their stalwart defender Siyabonga Sangweni was deemed fit and ready for the Soweto derby at the FNB Stadium this afternoon.

Pirates coach Roger De Sa revealed that Sangweni is looking good despite being told that he will be out for six weeks.

“Typical of the man, he is back after half the time and looking pretty good,” said Roger De Sa.

Another player that is back for the champions is Benni McCarthy who declared himself fit for the Soweto derby. McCarthy said he is happy to be back and he would want to get back into the field.

“I am back doing training with boys and so far all is good. Everyone is working hard at training hoping to make it into the squad for the match tomorrow (Saturday). The derby is the biggest match in the local sporting calendar and we all want to be a part of it,” McCarthy told the Pirates website.

Although McCarthy declared himself fit, coach Roger De Sa said he doesn’t want to rush him into a game, especially the Soweto derby.

“It would be inconceivable and irresponsible to rush him into a game of the stature of the derby at this stage,” revealed De Sa.

Inside Goal.Com

Goal interviews Katlego Mashego
Goal speaks with the current PSL top goalscorer Katlego Mashego who talks about his career at Moroka Swallows, the feeling of finishing as top goalscorer and his return to the national team
Ancelotti’s departure leaves PSG in a pickle
With the Italian bound for Spain, the Ligue 1 champions face an uncertain immediate future
SA Goal readers best comments of the week
Read our second installment of our Goal readers comments on all the big talking points in South African soccer over the week. Join the discussion on our Facebook and Twitter
Soulless EPL must face up to grim reality
After a season marred by controversy and a failure of its top teams to put up a credible Champions League challenge, the world's supposed best league is falling behind
The Bafana squad for Lesotho, CAR and Ethiopia
South Africa's Gordon Igesund has included a few unexpected players in his 25-men squad to face Lesotho before traveling to Ethiopia