Assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi has confirmed that both Olisa Ndah and Monnapule Saleng have missed training in the lead-up to the MTN8 final against Stellenbosch FC.
Both players missed Pirates’ previous match against Richards Bay due to injury. Saleng, in particular, has been instrumental in the team’s success this season, scoring a crucial goal in their opening league match against Chippa United.
In the pre-match press conference, Ncikazi expressed uncertainty about the availability of the injured duo for the final on Saturday,
“I do not have a full medical report, but I am praying that we are in full strength to play such a difficult side. If that doesn’t happen, I still think that we have a very capable team in their absence to be able to win, hence the team has got so many players to handle the situation in their absence,”
Pirates boast a host of players who have proven their quality multiple times in the Pirates team, namely potential replacements in Thapelo Xoki for Ndah and Angolan winger Gilberto for Saleng.