Orlando Pirates could be without the services of midfielder Thalente Mbatha ahead of the Soweto Derby.
The Buccaneers take on Kaizer Chiefs this weekend at the FNB Stadium.
Pirates supporters have questioned the exclusion of Mbatha in the last three matches. According to the player’s agent Mike Makaab, the Bafana Bafana midfielder is currently nursing an injury that could keep him out of the Soweto Derby.
“No, absolutely not. Thalente picked up a slight injury in the last game that he played and unfortunately that injury took a little bit more time to recover,” Makaab said on Gagasi FM Sports show.
“Absolutely nothing else, nothing sinister has happened, off the field, between the player and the coach, the player and the club. If there was, I’d be in a position to tell you.
“But I can tell you absolutely nothing at all,” Makaab said.
Mbatha could be a big blow if he misses the Soweto Derby
Mbatha has been in and out of Ouaddou’s squad this season, featuring just 16 times across all competitions.
Earlier this month, the Buccaneers named five injured players and Mbatha was not amongst them. Fans have speculated that there may be a rift between the midfielder and head coach Abdeslam Ouaddu. Makaab has since refuted those claims when speaking to Gagasi FM.
With the Soweto Derby just a few days away, it remains to be seen if Mbatha will be fit to feature in one of the biggest games in the African continent.