Orlando Pirates’ injury crisis worsens as defender Thabiso Sesane becomes the latest addition to their growing list of players currently in the recovery room.
Sesane was stretched out and replaced by Thapelo Xoki in the 18th-minute during the Buccaneers’ 2-1 win against Sekhukhune. The details of his injury are still unclear, but he was seen wearing a moonboot and walking on crutches after the match.
The 24-year-old joins a long list of players who are currently in the recovery room including Goodman Mosele, Zakhele Lepasa, Olisa Ndah, Thabiso Monyane and Thabiso Lebitso.
Pirates coach Jose Riveiro commended the team’s performance despite the injury setback and a demanding schedule following the victory against Sekhukhune.
“We fought like a team in the second half and managed to resist a very good team and a very difficult field to play football, so it is an excellent result, massive three points for us and one more achievement to win here away in Sekhukhune,” said Riveiro on SuperSportTV.
“It is always an inconvenience, the game plan is not going to change, was not compromised but you need time to adjust again some positions and behaviours and for Thapelo [Xoki] to come in, in an unexpected way, it was a difficult game in the beginning to get the base and rhythm but little by little we managed to be ourselves,” the coach added.
“One game to put in our bag in terms of resilience. We are coming from a derby, a tough one. It is really a demanding week for the team and so far, the behaviour and performance of the team is second to none.” Riveiro concluded.
The Sea Robbers will now shift focus to their showdown against Sundowns who are currently topping the Betway Premiership standings. The battle lines have been set for Saturday at a sold-out Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
Pirates are currently second on the log and they are expected to go all out in an effort to reduce the six points gap.
Makhehleni Makhaula has delivered consistently impressive performances, earning back-to-back Man of the Match awards against Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto Derby and Sekhukhune on Wednesday. The 35-year-old is anticipated to bring stability to the Pirates’ midfield.