Orlando Pirates are facing an injury crisis that could force head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou to find an emergency solution in midfield over the coming weeks.
The champions have several players unavailable, with the squad hit by a series of injuries during and after their recent 1-1 draw with AmaZulu. Goal-scorer Tshepang Moremi was forced off during the match, while Sihle Nduli also suffered an injury.
Evidence Makgopa is expected to miss up to two months after aggravating an existing knee problem. The forward played through the injury at the World Cup, but now requires a period on the sidelines to recover.
According to Goal, Bafana midfielder Thalente Mbatha is also dealing with a knee issue and could require surgery. His potential absence would further reduce Ouaddou’s options in the centre of the pitch, particularly with Nduli also unavailable.
Pirates had to make changes in midfield during their most recent match against Chippa. After a sluggish first half, they improved after the interval to secure a 3-0 victory over the Chilli Boys.
The goals came from unexpected sources, with Gamphani Lungu, Lebone Seema and Daniel Msendami finding the net. In the absence of Nduli and Mbatha, Cemran Dansin and Thapelo Mokobodi started at the base of midfield.
The pair could now be required to play a more sustained role than originally expected as Pirates attempt to manage their growing injury list.
Ouaddou has also called on creative midfielder Patrick Maswanganyi to take on greater responsibility for the club. Pirates’ next fixture is against Sekhukhune on Tuesday, 25 August, when the pressure on their depleted squad will be tested again.
The injury situation has also renewed attention on the club’s wider squad planning, with the fitness record of former Orlando Pirates player Thembinkosi Lorch forming part of the discussion.
Lorch spent much of the two years before 2023 on the treatment table. During the 2022-23 campaign, he made only 12 league appearances, representing exactly 40% of the Betway Premiership season. He played 15 league matches in the season before that.
Was Lorch ever worth the trouble?
Even when fit and available, Lorch struggled to produce consistent performances, while his direct contribution in terms of goals and assists was also not strong. As a result, reports linking the 33-year-old with Chiefs appear tenuous at best.
For now, Pirates must focus on finding a way through their immediate midfield shortage. With Moremi, Nduli, Makgopa and potentially Mbatha unavailable, Dansin and Mokobodi may have to continue together, while Maswanganyi is expected to carry more creative responsibility.
WIN R5 000: Take The South African’s Winter Reader Survey
