The international FIFA break has arrived as a much-needed respite for the Orlando Pirates technical team, as it has been grappling with a slew of injury concerns. Just like ships navigating treacherous seas, the Buccaneers have had to navigate their way through a challenging period of injuries over the last couple of weeks.
The increase in the number of matches has clearly taken its toll on the squad, resulting in numerous injury setbacks this season.
However, the twelve days provided by the break have offered some much-needed recovery time for Head Coach José Riveiro and his technical team.
It’s a brief but crucial period that holds the promise of positive developments in the days to come.
Orlandopiratesfc.com reached out to the Bucs’ medical team who have provided an update on the injured players:
Azola Matrose (Fibula):
Azola rejoined the Club at the beginning of the season carrying an injury he suffered while on loan at Chippa United. The enterprising winger suffered a fracture which required surgery. The 20-year-old continues to receive treatment and should return to full training in the new year.
Innocent Maela (Adductor):
Maela continues to make positive strides towards recovery after opting to undergo corrective surgery on a niggling groin strain. The Bucs’ Captain is four weeks post op (18 September) and is expected to return to training in December.
Kabelo Dlamini (Ankle):
Good news to come out of the medical team is that of the recovery of Kabelo Dlamini who has returned to full training last week. Dlamini had suffered a Grade 2 tear in training on October 12.
Sipho Chaine (Knee):
Goalkeeper Sipho Chaine continues to receive treatment after suffering a Grade 1 tear in the Carling Black Label Knockout clash against Cape Town Spurs. The nature of the injury has a 6-8 week recovery period and Chaine is now four weeks post injury.
Makhehlene Makhaula (Hamstring):
Makhaula is a week away from making full recovery after spending the last 18 days recovering from a hamstring strain.
Paseka Mako (Knee):
Paseka returned from national team duty complaining of discomfort in his knee. Tests were carried upon his return which showed that the 29-year-old had suffered a PCL tear ruling him out for up to six months. Mako has undergone a very successful surgery and is already one month post op.
Lesedi Kapinga (Hamstring):
Kapinga has recovered from a Grade 2 hamstring strain which has sidelined him for the past month. The 28-year-old has since returned to full training.
Kermit Erasmus (Hamstring):
Kermit is expected to return to full training today after recovering from a hamstring strain in the 1-0 win over rivals Kaizer Chiefs.
Thabiso Monyane (Knee):
Monyane suffered a Grade 2 tear of the MCL in the Soweto Derby. He is currently in the acute phase of rehab and is expected to return to training in December.
