Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro may be forced to make some adjustments to his defensive lineup for the remainder of the season, as key central defender Thabiso Sesane is facing an extended period on the sidelines due to injury.
Sesane, who suffered a ruptured tendon during Pirates’ 2-1 victory over Sekhukhune United last week, was substituted just 18 minutes into the match. The injury ruled him out of action for the subsequent 4-1 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns.
Pirates have since confirmed that Sesane will undergo surgery this week to repair the ruptured tendon. According to medical research from FARPost, recovery from this type of injury typically takes four to six months, meaning Sesane will likely be unavailable until May or possibly as late as July, depending on his recovery.
In the interim, Pirates fans will have to rely on Nkosinathi Sibisi, Thapelo Xoki, and Olisa Ndah in the heart of defense. While captain Innocent Maela has occasionally been deployed at center-back, it seems he is not Riveiro’s preferred option in that position.
The team will now face the challenge of maintaining defensive stability without Sesane for the remainder of the season.
