Update on Bucs’ injuries

Several Orlando Pirates First Team players who sustained injuries in the first weeks of the current season are currently in various stages of rehabilitation, according to the team’s medical staff.

The Buccaneers last played on Saturday, when they defeated Royal AM 2-1 in the MTN 8 quarterfinals at Chatsworth Stadium. The outcome was achieved without the participation of five players, with an additional name added to the injury report following a physical contest.

Midfielder Deon Hotto has joined the ranks of the club’s walking wounded after suffering a groin injury. He is currently being evaluated by the club’s medical staff ahead of the next match. Thembinkosi Lorch, who missed the team’s last two matches due to an injury, is also being closely followed after suffering a niggle prior to last week’s league triumph against Marumo Gallants.

However, there is some positive news, as Kabelo Dlamini and Tapelo Xoki have returned to training with the team following their absence against Royal AM.

Dlamini was forced to leave the game against Gallants in the early stages of the second half with a quad contusion, which was later diagnosed. This occurred minutes before Xoki was carried out on a stretcher after a head collision shortly before the final buzzer.

Terrence Dzvukamanja and Evidence Makgopa, who have not played for the club this season, are close to returning to full fitness.

New agreement Due to an ankle injury, Makgopa’s Pirates debut has been postponed; the player is anticipated back in mid-September, and the Zimbabwean international may be cleared before the Soweto Giants host TS Galaxy at Orlando Stadium on 10 September.

The Buccaneers return to play next weekend when they travel to Harry Gwala Stadium to face Maritzburg United in a DStv Premiership match on Sunday at 17:30.