Orlando Pirates issue injury update on key defenders ahead of Stellenbosch FC clash as Steve Barker's side receive double boost

Orlando Pirates have endured a turbulent start to the season and Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side are determined to turn things around as they step onto the pitch once more.

The Buccaneers are yet to collect their first points in the Premier Soccer League, slipping to 14th on the log after back-to-back defeats. Their campaign opened with a 1-0 home loss to Sekhukhune United, followed by a 2-1 defeat at Dr Molemela Stadium, where Marumo Gallants overturned a one-goal deficit to snatch victory last Tuesday. 

With pressure mounting, Pirates are desperate to steady the ship, and ahead of their next outing, the club has issued an update on injuries to key defenders. 

“The Soweto Giants have the personnel capable enough to do so, as demonstrated by the likes of Sihle Nduli and Lebone Seema, who have stepped up amid injuries to cult heroes such as Nkosinathi Sibisi and Makhehleni Makhaula, while the players such as Thabiso Sesane and Selaelo Rasebotja also continue to recover after suffering knocks during the latter half of the previous campaign,” the club shared in their match preview article on their official website.  

While the Buccaneers continue to manage injury setbacks, Steve Barker’s Stellenbosch side have been handed a timely boost. Winger Sanele Barns is expected to return after missing the MTN8 semi-final first leg against Sekhukhune United as a precaution, having felt tightness in his hamstring. 

Adding to the good news, defender Siviwe Nkwali is now available for selection after serving his suspension from the red card he picked up in their league opener against Kaizer Chiefs. 

All eyes are on Orlando Stadium as the Buccaneers chase their first league win of the season. 

With pressure mounting, Abdeslam Ouaddou’s men will be pushing for nothing less than three points as a confidence boost ahead of the weekend’s MTN8 semi-final second leg against Mamelodi Sundowns.