Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s speech is disheartening about the appearance on the field before the end of the season of the pillars of this Soweto team, the injured Sihle Nduli and Thapelo Xoki who have not been seen for months due to different injuries.
The coach delivered this speech in front of a press conference on Tuesday night, following the Pirates’ 5-0 win over Lamontville Golden Arrows under the Betway Premiership at Orlando Amstel Arena, Soweto.
Pirates have a chance to return to the top of the log this weekend as their rivals Mamelodi Sundowns have a Caf Champions League game away.
According to Ouaddou’s speech, it is unlikely that Nduli and Xoki will contribute to the ongoing title fight with the league match against Richards Bay FC on Friday at 7.30 pm, at Mhlathuze Sports Complex, Richards Bay.
The coach commented on Nduli and Xoki following the key result in the race for the league title with Sundowns leading the way with 56 points compared to 54 for Pirates after the same number of games (23).
According to him, both Nduli and Xoki are coming back from serious injuries but they have started working on the field which is always an indication that the future is near.
“The mistake we never made was to stay away from Nduli and Xoki because they were injured since they are the most important players for us and leaders,” said Ouaddou.
“It makes us happy to see the main players running on the grass and then staying for a long time working inside (the gym).
“Everything is promising for both of them but the problem is that I don’t have a specific explanation as to when they will return to the field because that is managed by the team’s doctors.
“I know that I need their experience and their leadership, but I will not force them to return to the field as soon as possible because they chose him a lot from Pirates.”
“Even if it is said that they will appear on the field next season, I will not have a problem as long as they come back fully healthy because I know how serious their injuries were,” said Ouaddou.
Although this news is not good for the Pirates followers, it should be comforting to know that Masindi Nemtajela is showing signs of growth in the stomach while there is still Makhehleni Makhaula waiting on the bench.
Xoki’s absence is also not overlooked since Nkosinathi Sibisi and Lebone Seema have also denied goals in 16 league games since Mbekezeli “TLB” Mbokazi left.