Riveiro blow as Orlando Pirates confirm their injury list

Published on by Willis Sob

The Soweto giants are aiming to challenge for the league this season as well as other domestic and international titles.

Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro is set to miss several key players ahead of the 2024/25 Premier Soccer League start.

Bucs have already played two competitive games inside the last couple of weeks across all competitions, but the domestic league will not kick-off until September 14.

The first assignment for the Sea Robbers was the MTN8 quarter-final clash against SuperSport United, a game they claimed a 3-1 win in extra time after a 1-1 draw in regulation period.

The Soweto giants then played CS Disciples in the first leg of the Caf Champions League's first preliminary round but played to a goalless draw.

Five key players set to miss PSL opener

The Buccaneers will start their top-tier campaign with a game against Chippa United at the Orlando Stadium.

However, up to six players might not be ready for the Chilli Boys fixture as confirmed by the Nedbank Cup defending champions.

Orlando Pirates Image Orlando Pirates 1

Versatile defender Paseka Mako has been nursing his knee since last season, but has now started partial training. He is set to return in September but might be out for some time to get his match fitness.

Bafana Bafana international Tapelo Xoki, just like Mako, missed crucial games in the 2023/24 campaign owing to a knee problem. He is currently in the intermediate rehab phase and expected back late September.

Another player who is having a problem with his knee and in the intermediate rehab is Goodman Mosele. His return date has been set for November.

Youngster Boitumelo Radiopane who has been out on loan for the last two seasons is still out with an abductor problem. His return date is yet to be confirmed despite being in an intermediate rehab.

Ex-defender reveals Pirates' secret weapon to win league next season
Orlando Pirates coach, José Riviero having a chat with Thalente Mbatha during pre-season training at Sturrock Park, Wits Sports Complex in Johannesburg on 5 July 2024. Picture by Thabang Lepule/Orlando Pirates Football Club

Thabiso Lebitso took part in the pre-season tour in Spain only to get injured days before the MTN8 game. There is no latest update regarding the right-back.

Finally, Bandile Shandu might be coming back next month after recovering from an ankle injury. The right-back is under an intermediate rehabilitation phase.

Which Pirates' matches will they miss

So far, the aforementioned players have missed games against the Swanky Boys and Disciples. 

On Friday, Bucs place the Malagasy outfit in the second leg of the Caf Champions League's first preliminary round at Orlando Stadium, a match that will be too soon for the injured players.

Other games they might miss are the MTN8 semi-final outing – that will be played on the home and away basis, against Cape Town City. 

In September, Bucs have four league games; against Chippa, Cape Town City, Polokwane City and Richards Bay, matches that those players might miss. However, the signing of Deano van Rooyen will cover for Lebitso.

Riveiro blow as Orlando Pirates confirm their injury list

Willis Sob

Willis Sob is an experienced journalist who has been in the game since 2009, covering major assignments around the continent.
His hunger for African football is unmatched, always getting the best angles and facts to feed the fans and quench their thirst.