Orlando Pirates could be without Kamogelo Sebelebele for their upcoming matches after the defender picked up an injury during their 2-0 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 final.
Goals from Teboho Mokoena and Iqraam Rayners handed Masandawana their first MTN8 title in five years, ending Pirates’ hopes of winning the competition for a fifth consecutive time.
For the Buccaneers, however, the defeat came at a cost, with Sebelebele potentially facing a spell on the sidelines.
The 23-year-old sustained an injury in the first half and was replaced by Oswin Appollis at half-time. The change did little to alter the course of the match, as Pirates struggled to find a way back into the contest.
What Sebelebele’s Injury Means for Pirates
Pirates could face a selection headache at right-back after parting ways with three players who could fill the position during the pre-season.
With Sebelebele potentially unavailable for the coming matches, head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou may have to convert Ghampani Lungu into a right-back.
Lungu started on the right wing against Sundowns but endured a difficult evening. The Zambian international struggled to make an impact and missed a penalty that could have given Pirates a route back into the contest.
The situation raises questions about Pirates’ decision to part ways with Thabiso Lebitso and Deano van Rooyen before the start of the campaign.
Had either player remained at the club, Ouaddou would have had another natural right-back option to call upon. He could have replaced the injured Sebelebele with one of them, allowing Lungu to move out of the firing line and making room for an attacking substitution, such as bringing on Mohau Nkota or Kabelo Kgositsile earlier in the second half.
Instead, Sebelebele’s potential absence could leave the Pirates coach with limited options as the team looks to recover from the disappointment of losing the MTN8 final.
The defender was seen on crutches after the match, raising concerns about the severity of his injury. However, the extent of the injury and how long he could be sidelined remain unclear.
Pirates will hope Sebelebele’s setback is not serious, as his absence could create further selection problems for Ouaddou in the coming matches.
