Several seemingly inopportune Orlando Pirates injuries have turned into a hidden opportunity for several emerging players at the club.
Injuries at Orlando Pirates have opened the door for fringe stars
In the continued absence of injured midfield duo Sihle Nduli and Thalente Mbatha, Cemran Dansin, Thapelo Mokobodi, Simphiwe Selepe and Mthetheleli Mthiyane have all gotten plenty of minutes in the Bucs engine room. They might be needed for longer than planned. What looked like a crisis on paper has proved to be a massive opportunity for some of the club’s emerging stars. The champions boast some serious depth.
Also read: Pirates suffer massive injury blow?
Nkota returns to bolster the Orlando Pirates attack
Bafana Bafana star Mohau Nkota’s 21 Saudi Pro League appearances last term only yielded two goals and three assists. It’s understandable, then, that the 21-year-old is back in South Africa to find his form again on loan. Nkota will vie for one of two wide starting roles with Tshepang Moremi, Oswin Appollis and Ghampani Lungu. If only two of those players can start regularly, which two are the odd ones out? We could see Moremi handed a super sub role in the coming weeks, although Pirates have several competitions to juggle, so everyone should get plenty of minutes.
Orlando Pirates return to continental action next
Next up for Pirates is a CAF Champions League qualifying double-header with La Cure Waves FC on 6 and 12 September. The club’s next Betway Premiership fixture is on 16 September against Durban City. The Sea Robbers have made a superb start to their title defence, winning four of five matches and drawing the other. Title rivals Sundowns have an identical record so far.
With Mohau Nkota back at the club, what’s your ideal starting XI, Pirates fans? Let us know by clicking the red comments banner below 🙂