Orlando Pirates Face Injury Woes Ahead of MTN8 Semi-Final Against Mamelodi Sundowns

New Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou faces a challenge as three key players are confirmed unavailable for the MTN8 quarterfinal against Mamelodi Sundowns. Pirates host Sundowns at Orlando Stadium in a sold-out first leg, aiming to secure a positive result ahead of the second leg scheduled a week later.

The trio missing due to injury includes club captain Nkosinathi Sibisi, Olisa Ndah, and PSL Midfielder of the Season Makhehlene Makhaula. Ouaddou confirmed their absence at a pre-match press conference on Thursday, stating that while most of the squad is available, Sibisi and Makhaula are still recovering, and Ndah remains sidelined.

Pirates enter the match following two consecutive Betway Premiership defeats but will look to build on their strong MTN8 form, having defeated Polokwane City comfortably in the previous round.

The clash between Pirates and Sundowns carries recent history, as the teams faced each other in the MTN8 final of the 2023/24 season, with Relebohile Mofokeng scoring a late goal to secure a 2-1 win for Sundowns. In the league, the Soweto giants claimed victory in March, with Mofokeng netting twice.

Kick-off for the first leg is set for 15:00, with Pirates aiming to overcome their injury setbacks and claim an advantage ahead of the second leg.