Orlando Pirates have given an injury update, with six players remaining sidelined with injuries, while Paseka Mako will be out until around February/March next year.
The Buccaneers beat Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 in the Soweto Derby ahead of the international break and return to action on Saturday, 25 November against Richards Bay.
The club confirmed that the international break was welcomed by coach Jose Riveiro and his team to allow several sidelined players to make progress in their recoveries.
“The increase in the number of matches has clearly taken its toll on the squad, resulting in numerous injury setbacks this season,” the club stated, before going more into detail on several injured players.
Good news are coming from Kabelo Dlamini, Lesedi Kapinga and Kermit Erasmus.
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.
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.
However, Makhehlene Makhaula, Innocent Maela, Thabiso Monyane, Azola Matrose, Siphon Chaine and Mako remain sidelined with injury – with the latter picking up a PCL tear in his knee during his time with Bafana Bafana in the previous international break. It required surgery and has him sidelined for up to six months.
Makhehlene Makhaula (Hamstring): Makhaula is a week away from making full recovery after spending the last 18 days recovering from a hamstring strain.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
