Two key Orlando Pirates players, defender Thabiso Sesane and midfielder Thalente Mbatha, were sidelined due to injuries during the club’s match against Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday. Head coach Jose Riveiro’s side suffered a humiliating 4-1 defeat. The Buccaneers have since provided an injury update on the two players.
Sesane played just eighteen minutes before being substituted, while Mbatha incurred an injury during Bucs’ victory over Sekhukhune United on Wednesday.
Before the match with Mamelodi Sundowns on,Pirates publicised the status of Sesane and Mbatha. Thabiso Sesane has been ruled out after experiencing a ruptured tendon during Pirates’ hard-won 2-1 triumph over Sekhukhune United midweek. The injury, which took place early in the match, has left the young defender requiring surgery, Pirates stated.
Meanwhile, Mbatha, midfielder and Bafana Bafana international, has been ruled out after not passing a late fitness test. Mbatha sustained his injury during the same game against Sekhukhune, following a collision with an opposing player as he attempted to shoot at goal.
“While scans have thankfully excluded any fractures, the pain in his foot has proven too excessive to overcome in time for today’s match.“The Bucs medical team has been working extensively to get Mbatha back to the pitch, but the decision has been made to put his recovery first. He will now concentrate on rehabilitation in the upcoming days, with hopes of a quick return to playing. ”
It remains unclear how long Sesane and Mbatha will be unavailable. The two players could be vital for Pirates in their hopes for the league title.
The Soweto giants are scheduled to face National First Division team Baroka FC in the Nedbank Cup Round of 16 match at Orlando Stadium on Saturday, February 15.
