Will Orlando Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi make it for the crunch MTN8 semi-final tie against Mamelodi Sundowns? Abdeslam Ouaddou issues injury update on Bafana Bafana star plus Olisa Ndah & Makhehlene Makhaula

Orlando Pirates have injuries to key players, with captain Nkosinathi Sibisi headlining those battling fitness issues.

Sibisi featured in the Buccaneers' first two competitive games of the season but was absent when the Soweto giants visited Marumo Gallants on Tuesday.

Also nursing injuries are Olisah Ndah and central midfielder Makhehlene Makhaula who have been sidelined for a while now.

Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou comments on the fitness state of the trio ahead of meeting Mamelodi Sundowns in an MTN8 semi-final, first-leg match at Orlando Stadium on Saturday. 

“Most of the players are available," said Ouaddou as per FARPost.

"We only have Sibisi and Makhaula, who are still coming back from injury. We also have Ndah [who is still injured], but most players are available.”

The injury to Sibisi comes at a critical moment for the Buccaneers, who have lost their last two games and would need all their key players available.  

The Premier Soccer League defeats by Sekhukhune United and Marumo Gallants have seen pressure mounting on Ouaddou.

Needing experience in his side, Ouaddou might turn to Tapelo Xoki to partner Mbekezeli Mbokazi at the heart of defence instead of Lebone Seema, who made a surprise start against Gallants.

After making a number of changes to his squad against Gallants, it is to be seen if Ouaddou will tweak his team to suit the demands of such a big game against the Brazilians.

The Soweto giants will be trying to avoid conceding at home ahead of the second leg in Tshwane.