Orlando Pirates hit hard as key midfielder needs surgery

Orlando Pirates are grappling with a significant injury crisis as a key midfielder is set for an extended spell on the sidelines, hot on the heels of news that striker Evidence Makgopa will be out for two months.

Reports have confirmed that Thalente Mbatha is facing a lengthy layoff due to a persistent knee problem that will likely require surgery. The 26-year-old midfielder, who has been a key figure for the Buccaneers this season, has seen his condition worsen, prompting medical experts to recommend an operation.

While the specific details of the injury and the subsequent recovery timeline remain unconfirmed, Mbatha is expected to miss a significant portion of the season. His absence will be a major setback for both Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana’s upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

Makgopa’s absence adds to Pirates’ woes

The news about Mbatha follows the recent revelation that Makgopa has also been ruled out. The Bafana Bafana forward had been playing through a knee injury sustained during the World Cup and now requires a two-month rest period to recover.

Fortunately, Makgopa will not need surgery, but his absence will be keenly felt. He is set to miss the start of the 2026/27 domestic season and Bafana Bafana’s AFCON qualifiers in September.

This places immense pressure on new signing Sebastian Pedersen to adapt quickly, especially after coach Abdeslam Ouaddou called on his attackers to step up following the MTN8 win over Durban City, stating, “I need my strikers to wake up quickly and help the team.”

In a sliver of good news for the club, new Norwegian striker Pedersen was pictured in training with the squad on Monday. However, coach Ouaddou has urged fans to remain patient despite the urgent need for attacking reinforcements.

Ouaddou calls for patience with Pedersen

“I think they will have to be a little bit patient because, as I said, we don’t have to rush the process,” Ouaddou told SABC Sport as quoted by GOAL.

“Of course, everybody wants to see the new players in the team, but as a coach, together with our performance and medical departments, we have to be cautious and make sure he is fully prepared before bringing him into the game.”

The coach emphasised the importance of ensuring Pedersen is fully ready before his debut. “When you start games, you have to be ready psychologically, mentally and physically. We don’t want to risk any of those factors. When he is on the pitch, it will mean we have received the green light from the performance department.”

With Makgopa out and Mbatha’s absence looming, coach Ouaddou will be hoping for that “green light” for Pedersen sooner rather than later. While Mbatha’s creativity in midfield will be missed, Pirates possess considerable depth in that area to cope with their demanding fixture list.

Before the next international break in late September, the Buccaneers are scheduled to play six league matches, an MTN8 semi-final, and a CAF Champions League second preliminary round tie, making squad depth more crucial than ever.