Two clean sheets in six games: Orlando Pirates issue injury update on defenders Nkosinathi Sibisi, Olisa Ndah and Deano van Rooyen ahead of Orbit College clash

Orlando Pirates are preparing to host Orbit College in a Premier Soccer League match at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday.

The Soweto giants have defenders Olisa Ndah, Deano van Rooyen and captain Nkosinathi Sibisi battling injuries.

Having conceded goals in four of the six games they have played across all competitions so far this season, the club issues an update on the injury state of their defenders.

"For the home side, Deano van Rooyen is again among the doubtful starters after he took no part in cup action on Saturday, following an injury sustained in his side’s last league game," the club said in a statement. 

"Pirates have, however, been boosted by the imminent return of defender Olisa Ndah, who has been back at training while fellow centre-back and captain Nkosinathi Sibisi continues to recover from a knock picked up earlier in the season."

Pirates currently have three key central defenders, Sibisi, Ndah, and Thabiso Sesane, out injured.

But they have shown to have depth in that area as coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has the luxury to bench the more experienced Tapelo Xoki in favour of Lebone Seema, who has been partnering Mbekezeli Moboka at the heart of defence.

Even at the right-back position, in the absence of Van Rooyen and Thabiso Lebitso, the coach can call on Bandile Shandu and the versatile Kamogelo Sebelebele. 

The Soweto giants will be out to record their second consecutive league victory after starting the campaign with two defeats.

They will be buoyed by last Saturday's confidence-booster of eliminating Mamelodi Sundowns from the MTN8, which eased pressure on Ouaddou.