Orlando Pirates fan favourite Thabiso Lebitso was a notable absentee as the Buccaneers edged Magesi FC 1-0 in their Betway Premiership clash this past weekend.
Reports indicate that the 29-year-old right-back is sidelined through injury, raising concerns over his availability in the coming weeks.
Lebitso endured a frustrating 2024/25 campaign, spending much of the season on the sidelines and managing only a handful of appearances. However, he returned strongly this season and impressed head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou whenever called upon.
Pirates fan favourite Lebitso out of action
With Deano van Rooyen ruled out earlier in the campaign, Lebitso stepped up as Pirates’ first-choice right-back and played a key role in the club’s success in the MTN8 and Carling Knockout Cup.
Despite his impressive form, the former Chippa United defender has been missing from the matchday squad in both of Pirates’ fixtures in 2026, sparking speculation among supporters.
Given his performances this season, it would be a major setback if another injury were to derail Lebitso’s momentum and threaten his place not only in the starting line-up but also in the matchday squad.
At present, Ouaddou has relied on Van Rooyen and Kamogelo Sebelebele at right-back, with the former also capable of being deployed further up the pitch on the right wing.
It is understood that Lebitso picked up a hamstring injury in December 2025 and has since been undergoing rehabilitation. The club is hopeful that he will return to action in the coming weeks.
The Pirates fan favourite has been solid since regaining his place back in the team this season.
Lebitso remains a popular figure among the Bucs faithful, having etched his name into Pirates folklore in 2024 when he scored a stunning long-range goal against arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs in a memorable 3-2 Soweto Derby victory.