Orlando Pirates left-back, Thabo Matlaba, could face the prospect of sitting out next month's much-anticipated Soweto Derby clash against Kaizer Chiefs, due to his Achilles tendon injury.
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According to the Orlando Pirates medical team, the 26-year-old has been experiencing some discomfort and pain and has been given time to recover at home.
"Our medical team have given Matlaba a week off to recover at home as he is experiencing some pain and so he will not be training with the team until he is examined again towards the end of the week," confirmed Pirates PRO, Mickey Modisane.
Should Matlaba be unavailable for selection, it will provide his understudy, Patrick Phungwayo, with an opportunity of a lifetime to feature in his first starting berth in a derby since signing for the Buccaneers in the 2011/12 season.
Since his arrival at the Parktown-based club from Free State Stars, Matlaba has played three league derbies starting with Orlando Pirates' 3-2 win over Kaizer Chiefs on the 17 March 2012 and, subsequent 1-1 draws played on 8th of December 2012 and 26th October 2013.
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Meanwhile, Phungwayo continues to rack up his appearances for Pirates in the absence of Matlaba as he featured for the Ghost in their 1-0 victory over Matlaba's former side, Free State Stars this past weekend and, is set to start for Vladimir Vermezovic's charges against Mpumalanga Black Aces tonight.
