Orlando Pirates sweating over fitness of Bafana Bafana stars ahead of Chippa United clash

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has provided an update on the fitness of two players, Thalente Mbatha and Evidence Makgopa. Both players missed the club's most recent games, with Mbatha absent for the match against AmaZulu and Makgopa yet to feature this season. The coach revealed that both players are grappling with injuries that originated in the previous season and are currently being evaluated by the club's medical team.

Ouaddou expressed uncertainty regarding the severity of the injuries, stating that further assessments are necessary. Thalente Mbatha, a key member of Pirates' squad since joining, and Evidence Makgopa, who offers an alternative attacking option, are currently sidelined due to these issues. The absence of these players is particularly concerning as Pirates have a hectic schedule, with ongoing competitions in the MTN8 and Betway Premiership.

Ouaddou hopes the medical evaluations will provide clarity on the players' recovery timelines, allowing the team to strategize for their upcoming fixture. The Buccaneers will continue to be based in Durban, preparing for their next match against Chippa United at Kings Park Stadium on Sunday, with kick-off set for 3pm. For Pirates, the upcoming game presents an opportunity to bounce back from their recent points loss against AmaZulu and avoid any additional setbacks due to injuries as they manage their commitments across multiple competitions.