Soweto Derby blow for Pirates as star is ruled out for six weeks

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Soweto Derby blow for Pirates as star is ruled out for six weeks
Oswin Appollis and Kamogelo Sebelebele of Orlando Pirates. Photo: Orlando Pirates

Orlando Pirates will reportedly have to do without utility man Kamoego Sebelebele for a number of weeks following his injury.

Sebelebele was taken off during Pirates’ 2-0 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 final and was seen on crutches and wearing a protective boot after the game as the players went to pick their medals.

Kamogelo Sebelebele of Orlando Pirates in action.
Kamogelo Sebelebele of Orlando Pirates in action. Image: Orlando Pirates

The former TSG Galaxy star then missed last Tuesday’s Premier Soccer League match against his ex-club as well as the CAF Champions League clash away to Namibian side African Stars.

This came after coach Abdeslam Ouaddou had provided an update over his situation, hoping that he would not be out for an extended period.

Why Sebelebele is out for long

Kamogelo Sebelebele of Orlando Pirates scores against TS Galaxy.
Kamogelo Sebelebele of Orlando Pirates scores against TS Galaxy. Photo: Orlando Pirates

“Look, he is still assessed by the medical department. I still hope that it’s not so bad, but we’ll have some more news, I think, soon,” Ouaddou said after the MTN8 final as quoted by Soccer Laduma.

“But I think for the Champions League, I definitely cannot use him. But we’ll see for the next games if we can have him or not. We hope it’s not so bad.”

Since then, no official update has been provided over the right-back’s situation but according to SoccerBeat, Sebelebele will miss up to six weeks of action as he suffered a meniscus injury and has already undergone surgery.

That adds to the headache for Ouaddou as right-back is the position where his options are limited and Sebelebele has performed admirably since his signing last year although he is traditionally a winger.

Siphesihle Ndlovu of Kaizer Chiefs vies for the ball with Orlando Pirates' Kamogelo Sebelebele and Patrick Maswangannyi in the Soweto Derby.
Siphesihle Ndlovu of Kaizer Chiefs vies for the ball with Orlando Pirates’ Kamogelo Sebelebele and Patrick Maswangannyi in the Soweto Derby. Image: Kaizer Chiefs

Pirates star to miss Soweto Derby

In Sebelebele’s absence, Bulelani Sigomoshe has played the last two games at right-back and he looks set to continue, starting with the Champions League second leg at home to African Stars on Friday.

Ethan Chislett and Kamogelo Sebelebele during the Soweto Derby between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates
Ethan Chislett and Kamogelo Sebelebele during the Soweto Derby between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. Image: Orlando Pirates

After that, Pirates have a Carling Knockout Round of 16 against high-flying new boys Milford FC on October 24 before they face Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto Derby six days later.

A league match against Siwelele FC will follow (November 4) before the November international break with the defender set to miss Bafana Bafana’s double header against Benni McCarthy’s Kenya on November 13 and 17.

<!-- Author Start -->Joel Oliver<!-- Author End -->

Joel Oliver

Author

Joel Oliver is a sports journalist covering South Africa, with 16 years in sports media and a Bachelor's Degree in Communication. Focused on football analysis and responsible gambling, his work has appeared on GOAL and Pulse Sports Kenya, and he is a regular football analyst on TV and radio.

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