Orlando Pirates are currently trailing Mamelodi Sundowns by nine points in the Betway Premiership, although they have two games in hand.
The two teams faced off on February 8, where Sundowns dominated the Buccaneers 4-1, with Lucas Ribeiro Costa scoring a brace. This victory puts Sundowns in a strong position for the league title.
Pirates were without key players, including defenders Olisa Ndah and Thabiso Sesane. Their absence was felt, as replacements Nkosinathi Sibisi and Tapelo Xoki struggled to contain Sundowns’ attacking force.
Ndah, who has been sidelined for five months due to a tibia and fibula fracture, is expected to make a timely return. Although his injury initially threatened to keep him out for the rest of the season, he could be back in action as early as this week.
Ndah’s return is seen as a significant boost for the Pirates. A club representative confirmed, “He [Ndah] has been doing well in recent weeks and will be ready when selected to play. He is in line to return in the upcoming matches, possibly this week.”
On the other hand, coach Miguel Cardoso was tight-lipped about player injuries, particularly regarding the fitness of key players like Olisa Ndah, Goodman Mosele, and Saleng. Cardoso made it clear that the club would announce updates when they saw fit but refused to share further details on their recovery statuses, citing privacy and ethical concerns.
