Tapelo Xoki’s time at Orlando Pirates appears to be coming to an end.
The 30-year-old former AmaZuku captain has hardly played for the Sea Robbers in the past two years. Injuries and stiff competitions has limited his gametime since 2024.
Last year in September, Orlando Pirates staff, including head coach Abdesalam Ouaddou and Xoki, were hurt in a serious car incident.
Speaking at the MTN8 Goals For Charity event on Wednesday, Xoki said he was still in rehabilitation following the injury he sustained.
“I’m grateful for life but I’m grateful for our physios as well, and I’m grateful to everyone at the club who supported me throughout the journey,” he said at the MTN 8 goals for charity handover to the Zodwa Khoza Foundation.
“So I’m busy with rehab currently, and it’s going well. I’m just taking it one game at a time.”
With Nkosinathi Sibisi and Lebone Seema starting the majority of games for Pirates, it looks unlikely that Xoki will get a chance even if he recovers. The likes of Thabiso Sesane are yet to taste gametime under Ouaddou in an official match.
Xoki unlikely to play for Pirates next season
“For me, whether you are playing or not, the most important conversation is the conversation you have with the group, to always have an impact in terms of affecting the group,” Xoki said, according to KickOff.
“So I try my best to make sure that everyone settles in, the new guys at the club. I make sure they understand the magnitude of the job without putting them under pressure.”
Pirates are set to boost their defence next season and that might push out Xoki, given his age and injury struggles. The player’s contract was extended last season, but it remains unlikely that he will get another year if he’s not playing.