Richard Ofori returns to training after long spell on the sidelines

Orlando Pirates goalkeeper, Richard Ofori, has returned to full training, the club announced on Wednesday afternoon, 08 March 2023.

Richard Ofori took part in a training session with his Pirates teammates today following his long term injury which he sustained last year in November.

The Ghanaian international Ofori last played a game in November last year, in the MTN 8 final against AmaZulu.

Due to the knee injury he suffered in the final, Ofori also missed out on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar for his nation, Ghana.

However, after months of being out, Pirates confirmed that the Ghanaian goalie is back in full training.

“There are encouraging news relating to goalkeeper Richard Ofori, who has been discharged by the Medical team and is back at full training after being sidelined since November last year,” reads Pirates’ statement.

WHAT RICHARD OFORI’S RETURN MEANS FOR PIRATES

This will serve as good news for the Soweto giants as it will mean that their goalkeeping department will be back to its full strength with all goalkeepers fit.

In the past few months with Ofori absent in the squad, Siyabonga Mphontshane and Sipho Chaine have been the two number ones for Pirates.

However, Chaine has been the recent in-form and number one goalie at the Soweto giants.

Even though Ofori’s return to the team means good news for Pirates, Chaine won’t make it easy for the 29-year-old to reclaim the number one position.

THE REST OF THE PIRATES INJURY UPDATES

According to Pirates, Thabang Monare is still nursing his thigh muscle strain and the midfielder is expected to return to training next week.

Pirates also announced that Goodman Mosele and Bandile Shandu will return to training in the next coming weeks.

“The 23-year-old midfielder [Mosele] is expected to start light training by the end of the current week after picking up an ankle ligament injury, while Shandu is also scheduled to return before the end of the month after treatment on a stiff hamstring,” stated Pirates.

“Other recent additions to the Bucs injury list include captain Innocent Maela, who had a relatively short spell on the sidelines after he sustained a left-foot contusion against Chiefs and has since resumed training.

Similarly, his defensive partner Olisa Ndah is also back at training after picking up a knock in his cameo at FNB Stadium.

“Innocent Maela sustained a left-foot contusion in the Soweto Derby but has returned to training since then according to the Buccaneers.”

RELATED STORY: Orlando Pirates provide major update on Thembinkosi Lorch and Richard Ofori