Just days before they begin their defence of the MTN8, Orlando Pirates head coach Josef Zinnbauer has given an update on the club’s injury concerns.
Zinnbauer’s side will take on Swallows FC in what is dubbed the ‘original Soweto Derby’ at the Orlando Stadium this Saturday, as they look to defend a title they had won last season.
Ahead of the match, the German tactician has given fans a glimpse into his side’s preparations with a number of stars including talisman, Thembinkosi Lorch, struggling with niggling injuries.
“We have a little bit of problems with the players, its normal in a pre-season. (Innocent) Maela is not in training at the moment, he’s with the surgeon and we’ll get the information in the afternoon. We have to see what is happening with him, he has a bone problem, maybe it is an old injury, but we’ll check today,” Zinnbauer told journalists.
“(Thembinkosi) Lorch has a problem with the shoulder, he was out yesterday but we tried it today. I think he’s fine for the weekend. The old injured players, we know them, (Tshegofatso) Mabasa and (Zakhele) Lepasa, they aren’t available for the weekend but Mabasa (is) close, he started training with the team, Lepasa needs more time.”
“I think (Richard) Ofori also came back. Yesterday he had a problem with his eye, he got hit with a ball in his face. We have to check this, but I think he is fine for the weekend, I hope Maela as well. (Paseka) Mako has some swelling on the calf, but I think it’s also possible he could play on the weekend, but we are ready for the game,” he added.
Kick off for the match is at 18:00.
Click through the gallery to view the Pirates players at risk of missing the match.
