Orlando Pirates Suffer Double Injury Blow As Another Bafana Bafana Star Is Ruled Out
- Orlando Pirates midfielder Thalente Mbatha is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to a persistent knee problem
- Striker Evidence Makgopa has also been ruled out for two months with a knee injury, threatening the start of his domestic season
- New signing Sebastian Pedersen joined squad training this week as Pirates look to cover for the mounting absentees
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Orlando Pirates are confronting a mounting injury crisis after reports confirmed that midfielder Thalente Mbatha is set for an extended absence, compounding earlier news of striker Evidence Makgopa's two-month layoff.
The 26-year-old Mbatha has been struggling with a persistent knee problem that medical staff believe will require surgery. A key figure in the Buccaneers' midfield this season, his condition has deteriorated to the point where an operation is now considered the most likely course of action. The precise timeline for his recovery has not been confirmed, but the club expects him to miss a significant portion of the campaign.
**Makgopa Also Sidelined Ahead of New Season**
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Makgopa's situation, though less severe, is equally concerning for the club. The Bafana Bafana forward carried a knee injury through the World Cup and has now been advised to rest for two months to allow for a full recovery. Surgery is not required, but he faces missing both the opening of the 2026/27 domestic season and South Africa's Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures scheduled for September.
The double blow threatens to disrupt not only Pirates' pre-season preparations but also the national team's AFCON campaign, with both players considered important to Bafana Bafana's setup.
**Pedersen Joins Training as Pressure Mounts**
In the midst of the fitness concerns, newly signed Norwegian striker Sebastian Pedersen was photographed training with the squad on Monday, offering a degree of reassurance that attacking reinforcements are integrating into the group.
Head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, who guided Pirates to an MTN8 victory over Durban City, has already called on his forward line to raise their performance levels, stating: "I need my strikers to wake up quickly and help the team." Despite that call to action, Ouaddou has also urged supporters to be patient as Pedersen adjusts to his new environment.
The convergence of injuries places considerable pressure on the remaining forwards to deliver at the start of the new season, with Pedersen expected to shoulder much of the attacking burden until Makgopa and Mbatha return to fitness.
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Source: Briefly News
