Orlando Pirates have confirmed injury updates ahead of facing bitter rivals Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto derby at the FNB Stadium on Sunday at 15:00.
According to Ncikazi both Sihle Nduli and Thapelo Xoki are still in rehabulitation.
SIHLE NDULI AND THAPELO XOKI INJURIES
“Thapelo (Xoki) is still doing rehab, Sihle (Nduli) is also doing his rehab. Thinking quickly around the team, I haven’t seen anybody else on the doctor’s bed,” coach Ncikazi told journalists.
Also read: Orlando Pirates: Three new signings on the way? Full list revealed
“So, I think we will have a clean bill of health, except for the two main injuries that are known,” Ncikazi added.
The 30-year-old Nduli, who joined Orlando Pirates at the start of the season from Stellenbosch FC, became an instant hit with 18 apperarances between his foot injury in November 2025. He underwent surgery in early 2026.
Xoki’s case is castly different. The 31-year-old from Khayelitsha, Cape Town, was caught in a serious car accident in September 2025. It left him with significant knee injuries, specifically torn ACL and MCL ligaments, requiring surgery.
The crash took place on the R21 highway in Gqeberha after a match against Chippa United. Xoki, head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou and a couple of technical team members came out with injuries.
ORLANDO PIRATES OPTIONS
In the meantime, coach Ouaddou has hardly missed Nduli and Xoki. In midfield, Masindi Nemtajela has filled in Nduli’s role, making 26 appearances.
Lebone Seema has been simply sensational in the absence of Xoki in central defence, with 32 games and two spectacular goals.
Also read: Chiefs’ signing target scores three goals in three matches
DO YOU THINK NDULI AND XOKI WILL RETAIN STARTING PLACES IN THE BUCCANEERS?
Share your thoughts by clicking on the red comments block below.