Orlando Pirates star TRIO struggling with injuries! – Ncikazi

Orlando Pirates co-coach Mandla Ncikazi has confirmed that three of his star players are in doubt for Sunday’s titanic clash against AmaZulu.

The Buccaneers return to action this weekend after the lengthy Africa Cup of Nations break when they host Benni McCarthy’s AmaZulu in a mouthwatering Nedbank Cup clash.

Ncikazi however has confirmed that the Buccaneers have taken their 2021 injury troubles into 2022 with two key Orlando Pirates players in a race against fitness to feature on Sunday while one is completely ruled out.

Thembinkosi Lorch, who recently featured for Warriors FC in their successful DStv Compact Cup campaign, and Zakhele Lepasa are both not yet up to speed in terms of fitness according to Ncikazi.

Vincent Pule on the other hand has failed to recover in time from his thigh injury and will not return for the first match of 2022 for the Buccaneers as originally expected.

Orlando Pirates INJURY troubles continue in 2022

“Still, I haven’t had an opportunity of having the full team but it’s better than what it was before,” Orlando Pirates co-coach Mandla Ncikazi told the media.

“Pule is still out, Lepasa is back but not at his best yet. Thembinkosi Lorch is the same. I hoped this period would give us an opportunity but there was DStv Compact Cup, there is also the pandemic that is engulfing the whole country.

“So it is better than what it was before and hopefully we can be at full strength soon and Orlando Pirates can start playing with their best team without disrespecting other players that have been playing.”

Pule still out with long-term injury

Orlando Pirates star Vincent Pule was ruled out for 12 weeks of action after suffering a quad strain while on international duty with Bafana Bafana in October 2021.

The Orlando Pirates medical department has provided an update on Vincent Pule’s situation, after the 29-year-old suffered an injury while on national duty last week.” a club statement revealed at the time.

“Pule who was listed in the starting line up for the FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Ethiopia, injured himself during the pre-match warm up and was subsequently dropped.

“Orlando Pirates can confirm that Pule has missed the trip to Congo, where the Buccaneers will be taking on Diables Noirs in Brazzaville this afternoon.

“The Bucs medical department has revealed, that Pule has suffered a Grade III tear of the quad and could be ruled out of action to up to 12 weeks.”

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