Orlando Pirates co-coach Fadlu Davids has revealed that Vincent Pule has had a setback, and also gave updates on the situation of Thembinkosi Lorch and Thulani Hlatshwayo.
The Buccaneers enter the game on the back of a goalless draw with Cape Town City on Wednesday, while Chiefs last played on Saturday, beating Baroka 1-0.
Davids, who will be in charge of his second Soweto Derby after losing the reverse fixture 2-1, has confirmed that Pule will not be able to make the squad after suffering a setback on his injury.
“He had a setback after getting the clearance,” Pirates said on Thursday.
“It was a tricky surgery that he had, on the muscle. So we’re taking it a step slow, a more cautious approach because it is a muscle that has been operated on.
“Another three weeks of rehabilitation again and hopefully by the month of April, if all goes well, he’ll be cleared for selection.
“He was in coming back but had a slight setback, so the cautious approach is now what’s needed for him to pass his minimal standards in relation to his rehabilitation.
“I don’t want to put my head on the block but hopefully we’ll have him back by late March or April.”
The Pirates coach also confirmed that the chances of Lorch making the Soweto Derby look slim after he picked up a muscle injury.
“He’s had a scan, we’re waiting for the doctor to send a report to our medical team,”
“At the moment it does not look good. Having an injury, match day minus one.
“As you saw in the CAF Confederations Cup match as well, when we took Lorch, Mako, Shandu, Monare off as a precaution. Lorch had this hamstring issue two games back but he’s played through.
“At the moment it does not look good.”
Finally, Davids revealed that Hlatshwayo has returned to training and is available for selection.
“Yes, he’s been training, full training after his injury. He’s back in full training, competing for a place.”
