Orlando Pirates hot news: Maswanganyi, Dansin, Mokobodi, Mbatha

Today’s Orlando Pirates news wrap looks at the injury situation and how that might provide opportunities for a few fringe operators.

Ouaddou asks Maswanganyi for more at Orlando Pirates

Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has called on creative midfielder Patrick Maswanganyi to assume more responsibility for the champions. With Rele Mofokeng departed, 27-year-old Maswanganyi will be expected to carry the burden of supplying chances for teammates. Maswanganyi got a goal and an assist against Durban City in the MTN8 quarters. He also supplied Gamphani Lungu’s opener against Chippa.

Midfield crisis for Pirates?

Meanwhile, Pirates’ recent 1-1 draw with AmaZulu came at a high cost. Goal-scorer Tshepang Moremi was withdrawn with an injury, as was Sihle Nduli. Evidence Makgopa will miss up to two months of action after aggravating an existing knee injury. Makgopa played through the issue at the World Cup but now requires a spell on the sidelines. According to Goal, Bafana midfielder Thalente Mbatha also has a knee issue which might require surgery. After a stodgy start on Sunday against Chippa, Pirates produced a better second half to beat the Chilli Boys 3-0. The goals came from unlikely sources in the shape of Gamphani Lungu, Lebone Seema and Daniel Msendami. In the absence of Nduli and Mbatha, Cemran Dansin and Thapelo Mokobodi started at the base of midfield.

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