Bruised Bucs! Injury concerns to several key Orlando Pirates international players

Orlando Pirates coaches Mandla Ncikazi and Fadlu Davids will have to contend with several injuries to key players.

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The Buccaneers are scheduled to take on Diables Noirs in Brazzaville, Congo on Friday in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup tie.

Vincent Pule and Tshegofatso Mabasa return from Bafana Bafana whilst Gabadinho Mhango, Deon Hotto and Terrence Dzvukamanja make their way back from Malawi, Namibia and Zimbabwe respectively.

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Unfortunately, many of these players sustained injury niggles during their 2022 Soccer World Cup qualifiers. This was confirmed on Soccer Laduma’s official website on Wednesday,

Pule was withdrawn from the starting lineup just moments before kick-off on Saturday. He was set to start against Ethiopia before taking a blow that saw him miss their second encounter against them.

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He is currently 50/50 to be fit for Pirates match against Noirs. A call will be made on him as late as possible to ensure he has the best possible chance of playing. Pule was a noticeable exclusion from the starting lineup alongside teammate Mabasa.

Mabasa was subbed off for Royal AM star Victor Letsoalo in the 35th minute of the game in Ethiopia. He was an unused substitute during Bafana’s 1-0 win at FNB Stadium on Tuesday evening.

Mabasa was not injured but did not reach the fitness standards of Hugo Broos. He is expected to return to action on Friday.

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Elsewhere, Mhango was substituted in the 31st minute of Malawi’s game against Ivory Coast. Raising concerns over his fitness levels as well.

Hotto was replaced in the 86th minute of Namibia’s game against Senegal.

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However, he is fully fit though and has just bagged the PSL Goal of the Month award too, bringing momentum and form into their continental tournament.

Meanwhile, Dzvukamanja was taken off in the 63rd minute as Zimbabwe lost 1-0 to Ghana. The move appeared to be purely tactical though.