Orlando Pirates will be strengthened by the return of two players as they prepare to face Richards Bay in a Betway Premiership clash at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Wednesday night.
The Buccaneers will welcome Sipho Mbule and Thabiso Lebitso back from injury. Mbule, who had been sidelined since December and missed approximately ten matches, is set to return.
He last played in the Nedbank Cup Round of 32 against Tsakuma Tsa Madzivhandila, where he scored a goal but didn’t feature in any matches for the club for the rest of February.
Mbule returns for Orlando Pirates
The club announced the return of the “Master Chef” on Wednesday.
“Pirates’ mission has been bolstered by the availability of in-form Kamogelo Sebelebele, who is eligible for selection after serving a one-match suspension. Midfielder Sipho Mbule is also back in contention for a spot in the matchday squad after a brief period on the sidelines,” the club wrote.
Orlando Pirates currently sit second in the Betway Premiership after 19 matches. A victory on Wednesday would propel them back to the top of the league standings. At the same time, anything less would give Mamelodi Sundowns the advantage as the season approaches its final ten matches.
Mbule is expected to start, although Lebitso may not see playing time since he has only recently resumed training with the first team. Another player who could get a start is fan-favourite Thalente Mbatha, who has been in and out of the lineup due to a minor injury.