Orlando Pirates will still be without midfielder Patrick Maswanganyi when they face Chippa United in the PSL on Wednesday evening.
Maswanganyi missed Pirates’ 2-0 loss to Marumo Gallants on Saturday with a nock and it was hoped that he would be available for Wednesday’s clash against the Chilli Boys but that will not be possible as he has not recovered in time.
“Tito sustained a grade one strain in our match against Cape Town City. We will continue to monitor his situation and provide the technical team daily updates on his progress,” the Pirates medical team said regarding Maswanganyi’s injury.
The playmaker has been one of the key men for coach Jose Riveiro this season, adding creativity and goals to the team, as they challenge on multiple fronts, but he has been in and out of the squad with injuries.
Tito has been key for Pirates this term
Maswanganyi has five goals and three assists in 28 games this season and his absence robs Riveiro another ammunition in attack at a time when his team is desperate for points given they are 18 points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, even if they have four games in hand.
Pirates also gave updates on other players who are still sidelined due to injuries with striker Zakhele Lepasa and defender Olisa Ndah nearing a return to action.
“Zakhele Lepasa (ankle) has started field-based training with the strength and conditioning team. Olisa Ndah (shin) has completed his rehabilitation and has returned to full training. Currently working on his match fitness,” the Bucs further said.
However, Miguel Timm and Thabiso Monyane are still weeks away from returning while Thabiso Lebitso and Thabiso Sesane are long-term absentees.
Who else is out with an injury?
“Miguel Timm (ankle) currently undergoing on-field rehabilitation work while also attending physiotherapy sessions. He is expected to return to full training in 7-14 days,” Pirates said.
“Thabiso Monyane (hamstring) has started field-based rehabilitation with emphasis on agility, aerobic endurance and accelerations and decelerations. To start high-speed running next week.
“Thabiso Lebitso (ankle) continues to undergo treatment post-surgery. Attending physiotherapy sessions for acute management. Thabiso Sesane (achillies) also underwent a successful procedure and is currently undergoing treatment while attending physiotherapy sessions for acute management.”
Pirates will also miss goalkeeper Sipho Chaine, due to a one-match suspension, but Riveiro must find a winning formula against Chippa otherwise his team could find themselves 21 points behind Sundowns, who also play on Wednesday away to Golden Arrows, now coached by their ex-tactician Manqoba Mngqithi.
