Pirates coach Ouaddou gives key injury updates before Stellenbosch clash.

As Orlando Pirates prepares to face Stellenbosch in the MTN8 final, head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has addressed the availability of key players Nkosinathi Sibisi, Makhehleni Makhaula, and Patrick ‘Tito’ Maswanganyi. 

The Buccaneers are seeking to secure an unprecedented fourth successive Wafa Wafa title at a sold-out Mbombela Stadium on Saturday, in a match that mirrors last year's decisive final.

Sibisi, the team captain, has been sidelined for most of the season after playing just two matches. Meanwhile, Makhaula hasn’t been playing since he picked up an injury in the previous campaign and has not played since. 

The third is Maswanganyi, is also a concern after picking up a minor knock in the last game. Despite the players returning to training, Coach Ouaddou and his technical team will consult with the medical staff to ensure Makhaula is not risked unnecessarily.

‘I’M HAPPY THAT MAKHAULA IS COMING BACK’

“First of all I’d like to welcome back our captain [Sibisi], it was a long time so I’m very happy that he’s back to the team,” said Ouaddou.

“You know for a coach when you see such players coming back, very important players for the club, that achieved a lot for the club, it’s always a satisfaction.

“I always say that the more we have choice, the better it is for a coach. So of course I’m very happy that Makhaula is coming back.

“We have to be very professional as well. And seeing how long he’s been out my duty and the duty of the medical department is to be sure and to ensure him that he will come back stronger and not to take any risk in order to be back to the injury. 

“So we speak with them [medics] but of course, we will try to make the right decision for him, for the club and for the team.”

He added, “Yes, if you can see him on the pitch it means that medical department gave him the green light to be there.”

“So yeah I’m happy that he is coming back. It [the injury] seems not to be so serious. So all the time when my players are injured I’m very sad. So I’m happy that he is with us.”