Orlando Pirates have provided a medical update on the injuries and expected returns of nine players who have been out of action, with two ruled out at least until 2024.
The Buccaneers have been endured a bittersweet season so far, having clinched the MTN8 but crashed out of both the CAF Champions League and Carling Knockout competitions.
Injuries have also not made matters any easier for head coach Jose Riveiro, with as many as nine players out of action.
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According to a medical update published on the club's official website on Tuesday, at least two players among the nine injured are only expected to return to full training in 2024.
Azola Matrose was signed from Chippa United ahead of the 22/23 season and spent a season-long loan with the Chilli Boys before joining his new teammates at Pirates ahead of the 23/24 season.
The 20-year-old however is yet to feature for his new side as he remains sidelined with fracture that required surgery and is now expected to only return to training in the new year.
alongside Matrose is defender Paseko Mako, who suffered a PLC tear from national team duty ruling him out for up to six months but has since undergone surgery and a month of recovery.
Club captain Innocent Maela who suffered a groin injury is expected to return to training in December according to the club's report.
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A positive for the Buccaneer faithful is the return of attacking trio Kabelo Dlamini, Lesedi Kapinga and Kermit Erasmus who have all began training after recovering from respective injuries.
Close to recovery are defender Thabiso Monyane and midfielder Makhehlene Makhaula, while goal keeper Sipho Chaine is half-way through his recovery that could take up to eight weeks.
FULL REPORT BY PIRATES:
Azola Matrose (Fibula): Azola rejoined the Club at the beginning of the season carrying an injury he suffered while on loan at Chippa United. The enterprising winger suffered a fracture which required surgery. The 20-year-old continues to receive treatment and should return to full training in the new year.
Innocent Maela (Adductor): Maela continues to make positive strides towards recovery after opting to undergo corrective surgery on a niggling groin strain. The Bucs' Captain is four weeks post op (18 September) and is expected to return to training in December.
Kabelo Dlamini (Ankle): Good news to come out of the medical team is that of the recovery of Kabelo Dlamini who has returned to full training last week. Dlamini had suffered a Grade 2 tear in training on October 12.
Sipho Chaine (Knee):Goalkeeper Sipho Chaine continues to receive treatment after suffering a Grade 1 tear in the Carling Black Label Knockout clash against Cape Town Spurs. The nature of the injury has a 6-8 week recovery period and Chaine is now four weeks post injury.
Makhehlene Makhaula (Hamstring):Makhaula is a week away from making full recovery after spending the last 18 days recovering from a hamstring strain.
Paseka Mako (Knee):Paseka returned from national team duty complaining of discomfort in his knee. Tests were carried upon his return which showed that the 29-year-old had suffered a PCL tear ruling him out for up to six months. Mako has undergone a very successful surgery and is already one month post op.
Lesedi Kapinga (Hamstring):Kapinga has recovered from a Grade 2 hamstring strain which has sidelined him for the past month. The 28-year-old has since returned to full training.
Kermit Erasmus (Hamstring): Kermit is expected to return to full training today after recovering from a hamstring strain in the 1-0 win over rivals Kaizer Chiefs.
Thabiso Monyane (Knee):Monyane suffered a Grade 2 tear of the MCL in the Soweto Derby. He is currently in the acute phase of rehab and is expected to return to training in December.
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