Orlando Pirates have a huge MTN8 final on the horizon. There’s some news on defensive pair Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Thabiso Sesane.
Long-term absentee Sesane won’t be ready in time, but teenager Sesane will be a key pillar against Stellies.
Here’s the latest from the Pirates camp as they prepare for a showpiece battle against Stellenbosch on September 13th.
‘Nkota is already a better player after leaving Pirates’
When will Sesane return for Orlando Pirates?
Thabiso Sesane started the 2024-2025 campaign in domineering form, becoming a pillar in the heart of their defence. It was, therefore, a massive blow to the club and player when he was cruelly struck down with a serious tendon injury in February. The rupture was deemed bad enough for the 25-year-old to undergo surgery. Full recovery could take anywhere between four and six months. If Sesane’s rehabilitation continues going smoothly, he could be back in training after the international break and eyeing a return in October.
Where would Pirates be without Mbokazi?
5 March 2025 might go down as a big day in the history of the club; 19-year-old Mbekezeli Mbokazi made his Orlando Pirates debut. We might look back on that as a huge watershed moment. It was a 1-0 win for Pirates and, fittingly, Mbokazi marked his bow with a clean sheet. It will prove to be the first of many. The young man will still be a teenager until September 19th.
Mbokazi is now a key operator for Pirates
Mbokazi started subsequent matches against SuperSport in the Nedbank Cup (he scored the opener in a 2-2 draw; Pirates eventually prevailed on penalties) and against Stellenbosch in a 0-0 draw. He was also the man of the match in that thrilling cup tie against Matsatsantsa. He then started and shone in Pirates’ superb 2-1 win over leaders Sundowns. This season, Mbokazi and Lebone Seema have been the first-choice central defensive pairing with injuries to other key defenders. Pirates have kept clean sheets in each of their last three league encounters, so they’ll feel confident ahead of the MTN8 final against Stellies on September 13th. Mbokazi has won the captain’s armband in the last six matches across all competitions, including in their two-legged semi-final win over Sundowns. He assisted Kamogelo Sebelebele’s goal in the first of those two clashes.
Can Orlando Pirates get their title charge back on track?
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