Orlando Pirates fans have been dealt a major blow with the unfortunate news that a key player will no longer be part of the 2024-2025 season.
Thabiso Sesane’s Season Cut Short Orlando Pirates central defender Thabiso Sesane has sustained a tendon injury in his leg during the hard-fought win over Sekhukhune. He missed the 4-1 loss to Sundowns and now faces an extended period on the sidelines. The 24-year-old has played in 13 out of the club’s 14 league matches this season, and his absence is a significant setback. Tapeolo Xoki filled in for Sesane against Sundowns and will likely serve as his replacement moving forward.
As reported by MyHealthy.Alberta.ca and FarPost, a ruptured tendon typically requires surgery, with recovery taking up to six months, and sometimes even longer. This injury is a major setback for Pirates as they continue their bid for both the CAF Champions League and the Betway Premiership.
What Lies Ahead for Pirates? The Sea Robbers suffered a setback in the title race with their heavy loss to Sundowns, but there’s still hope. Sundowns slipped up with a surprise loss to TS Galaxy, keeping Pirates’ title chances alive. They currently trail the defending champions by nine points but still have two games in hand. Pirates’ next match is a Nedbank Cup Round of 16 encounter at home against Baroka on Saturday, 15 February, followed by a Premiership clash away to Golden Arrows on 19 February.
Riveiro Seeks a More Dynamic Midfield Jose Riveiro is aiming for a more fluid and dynamic midfield setup for his side. Veteran Makhehlene Makhaula has recently been pushing forward more, adding an extra dimension to the Pirates’ play. Riveiro explained, “Makhaula is more defensive, Kabelo is more offensive, but in this team, we defend as a unit. When we have the ball, we attack as a team.” He praised Makhaula’s evolution, highlighting how the 35-year-old has contributed offensively when the team is in possession.
