Photo Courtesy Orlando Pirates.
Orlando Pirates have confirmed that defender Thabiso Sesane is doubtful for their Betway Premiership fixture against rivals Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday.
Sesane was withdrawn during Pirates’ league fixture against Sekhukhune United in Polokwane on Wednesday and according to the club, the 24-year-old could miss the blockbuster clash set for Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria.
“Defender Thabiso Sesane is a worry for Pirates ahead of their trip across the Jukskei River. The 24-year-old only lasted 18 minutes in the victory over Babina Noko and could sit out the trip to Loftus,” explained Pirates on their official website.
“The experienced Tapelo Xoki – brought on in his place in midweek – is among the likely options along with club captain Innocent Maela. Also waiting in the wings is Olisa Ndah who is making his way back to match-fitness, having resumed training.”
Speaking at the end of the fixture against Sekhukhune, Pirates coach Jose Riveiro admitted that the team had suffered immediately Sesane was withdrawn owing to the injury.
“We felt [the impeccable] because it wasn’t an easy situation for Thabiso, it didn't look good at the moment,” said Riveiro. “Let's see what it is [injury] I think the team managed to continue with the same game plan, not changing so many things.
“That's one of strengths of this team. It doesn't matter, but it matters who is playing in the team; the team finds its way to play our football. It's not frequent that you have to change one of your centre-back in the first stage of the game, it's also difficult for Tapelo Xoki to come off the bench unexpectedly without time activate himself, I think he did a good job.”
Six points currently separate the two sides at the league table with the Buccaneers going into the fixture with a game in hand, and the gap in points could be halved by the end of the weekend should things go in their favour in Tshwane.
In games played in the country’s capital, the Brazilians have enjoyed a slight edge in the past decade winning eight of the 20 fixtures while the Buccaneers boast six wins with the other six matches finishing level.
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