Orlando Pirates have several injury concerns heading into their CAF Champions League clash this weekend.
The Buccaneers will be without Thalente Mbatha, Evidence Makgopa and Sihle Nduli, who are all nursing injuries. Nduli is expected to be sidelined for an extended period after suffering a serious ankle injury, while Mbatha and Makgopa have also missed recent matches.
Andre de Jong is another absentee as he continues his recovery from a quad strain. Nkosinathi Sibisi is also unavailable after missing recent matches with a knock, although he is expected to return to action this month.
However, the biggest concern for Pirates supporters is Gamphani Lungu. The attacker was stretchered off during the Buccaneers’ 4-0 victory over Kruger United on Tuesday after scoring in the emphatic win.
Orlando Pirates have an injury crisis
The extent of Lungu’s injury is not yet known, leaving his availability for Sunday’s CAF Champions League encounter uncertain. There are fears that the injury could be serious, but Pirates are yet to provide an official update on his condition.
Despite the growing injury list, Pirates have made an impressive start to the season.
They remain unbeaten across their opening seven matches, scoring 16 goals and conceding just twice, and will now turn their attention to their CAF Champions League campaign.
Last season, Orlando Pirates bowed out in the second preliminary stages and will want to avoid another disaster. They have the squad to go all the way and win the torunament.
