Orlando Pirates defender Tapelo Xoki has revealed that he is close to returning to action following a lengthy injury layoff.
Xoki picked a knee injury in May this year and was ruled out for the remainder of the last season missing out on the last two league matches and the Nedbank Cup triumph against Mamelodi Sundowns. The Pirates vice-captain missed the opening matches of the current campaign and was also in the stands when Pirates clichéd their historic third successive MTN 8 final against Stellenbosch last week.
The former AmaZulu player has been replaced by youngster Thabiso Sesane in the Buccaneers line-up and the latter has been impressive earning a Bafana-Bafana call-up in the process. Xoki told SABC Soccer Zone that he can be expected back on the field in a matter of weeks.
“I’m very close [to coming back]” Xoki told Soccer Zone.
“I’m happy with the progress and the physios are happy with the progress. It’s been five months of hard work, stress, some days were difficult but yeah I’m very close.
“I’ve started training with the team. I just need to get a few minutes in friendlies and then hopefully will join the team after the FIFA break of close to month end”.
