Orlando Pirates will be without the services of two key players as they face Mamelodi Sundowns in today’s top-of-the-table Betway Premiership showdown.
The Bucs medical team has ruled out Thabiso Sesane and Thalente Mbatha to face the Brazilians.
Sesane has been ruled out after suffering a ruptured tendon during Pirates’ hard-fought 2-1 victory over Sekhukhune United midweek. The injury, which occurred early in the match, has left the young defender in need of surgery.
Meanwhile, Mbatha, the dynamic midfielder and Bafana Bafana international, has also been sidelined after failing a late fitness test. Mbatha picked up his injury during the same match against Sekhukhune, following a collision with an opposition player as he attempted to shoot at goal.
While scans have thankfully ruled out any fractures, the discomfort in his foot has proven too much to overcome in time for today’s clash.
The Bucs medical team has been working tirelessly to get Mbatha back on the pitch, but the decision has been made to prioritise his recovery. He will now focus on rehabilitation in the coming days, with hopes of a swift return to action.
