Thembinkosi Lorch of Orlando Pirates during the Absa Premiership 2019/20 game between Stellenbosch FC and Orlando Pirates at Cape Town Stadium on 26 October 2019 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
Orlando Pirates sweat over suspension, injuries ahead of Leopards clash
Thembinkosi Lorch is a guaranteed absentee when Orlando Pirates face Black Leopards, while three more players are injury concerns.
Thembinkosi Lorch of Orlando Pirates during the Absa Premiership 2019/20 game between Stellenbosch FC and Orlando Pirates at Cape Town Stadium on 26 October 2019 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
Orlando Pirates face injury concerns going into their final game of 2019, on top of the suspension currently being served by star playmaker, Thembinkosi Lorch.
The Buccaneers face Black Leopards at Thohoyandou Stadium on Saturday, and will be without Lorch, who sits the game out after a two-match ban.
Newly-appointed coach Josef Zinnbauer could still find himself without up to three more of his first-team players.
Injury concerns for Orlando Pirates
Defender Ntsikelelo Nyauza, along with midfielder Vincent Pule both pulled out injured during the 2-2 draw against Baroka at Peter Mokaba Stadium.
The duo have been joined in the injury list by another midfielder in Fortune Makaringe who, according to the club, picked up a foot injury at training.
All three players are in a race against time to be fit for the match, which kicks off at 15:30 (SAST).
“The two players who went into the Mbombela mini-camp already injured, having picked up hamstring strains in the 2-all draw with Baroka, have since been joined on the medical table by midfielder Fortune Makaringe.
“‘Maestro’, as he [Makaringe] is affectionately known, picked up a foot injury after a 50/50 challenge with a defender during training last week.
“The 26-year old has been wearing a moon boot as a precautionary measure however the Medical Team will advise on the availability of the enterprising midfielder by Friday.”
Orlando Pirates
Nyauza lasted just 51 minutes in the Baroka clash after picking up a knock before the break, while Pule played all 90 minutes.
Lorch was serving out the first game of his two-match ban after being red-carded during the 3-2 home win over Polokwane City.
Start of an era
Pirates are seventh on the table, having picked up just four wins in their 14 matches played so far this season.
Since the start of the campaign, they are yet to string together two consecutive victories.
Following Zinnbauer’s appointment, Rhulani Mokwena – who was at the helm on an interim basis – reprised his assistant coach role.
The German mentor has spent the bulk of his coaching career in his native country, most recently taking charge of St Gallen in the Swiss Super League.
