Orlando Pirates have provided an update on the injury status of several first team players ahead of their upcoming Nedbank Cup match against Venda Football Academy this Saturday. The Buccaneers have been dealing with a testing list of fixtures and up to five members of the playing personnel are currently out of action.
Thabang Monare, an experienced midfielder, has been one of the notable absentees from the match day squad over the past month. His last appearance in the starting XI came against Mamelodi Sundowns in early February due to a thigh muscle strain. According to the club’s official website, Monare is expected to return to training next week.
Goodman Mosele and Bandile Shandu are also on the injury list. The 23-year-old midfielder is expected to start light training by the end of the current week after picking up an ankle ligament injury, while Shandu is also scheduled to return before the end of the month after treatment on a stiff hamstring.
Captain Innocent Maela had a relatively short spell on the sidelines after he sustained a left-foot contusion against Kaizer Chiefs and has since resumed training. His defensive partner Olisa Ndah is also back at training after picking up a knock in his cameo at FNB Stadium.
Finally, there is encouraging news relating to goalkeeper Richard Ofori, who has been discharged by the medical team and is back at full training after being sidelined since November last year.