Orlando Pirates have given an injury update ahead of their clash with Sekhukhune United in the DStv Premiership on Saturday.
The Buccaneers have confirmed the both Bandile Shandu and Thembinkosi Lorch have returned to light training after being on the treatment table.
Shandu had to be stretchered off in the 2-1 Nedbank Cup semi-final win over Soweto rivals Kaizer Chiefs after clashing with Reeve Frosler, but the club confirmed he returned to the training pitch earlier in the week.
Meanwhile, Lorch missed the last four games but had also returned to light training last week already, even though he wasn’t in the squad for the Soweto Derby – but the club’s website confirmed he’s “inching closer to a return”.
“Pirates have had injury worries of their own in recent weeks, and had another scare in the form of defender Bandile Shandu, whose involvement in the semifinal was cut short when he had to be stretchered off in the first half,” the club stated.
“The player resumed light training earlier in the week and could soon be back in action, alongside midfielder Thembinkosi Lorch, who is also inching closer to a return.”
During Pirates’ media day on Thursday, Lorch wasn’t pictured at training by iDiski Times, while defender Olisa Ndah is still walking around on crutches and with a moon boot.
The Buccaneers enter the game in second place on 50 points, two ahead of third-placed SuperSport United, while Babina Noko are in seventh with 36 points.
Both sides will also face each other again in the Nedbank Cup final in two week’s time.
