AmaZulu FC are preparing for the mighty Orlando Pirates this coming weekend, and new co-coach Arthur Zwane has sent an early warning to the Sea Robbers.
BETWAY PREMIERSHIP: ORLANDO PIRATES VS AMAZULU
Following a 2-1 loss to Stellenbosch FC in his debut match in the Carling Knockout last week, coach Zwane sounds rather encouraged to face Orlando Pirates in Soweto on Friday night at 19:30.
“We want our players to play without fear, you can’t be in the Premier League and have fear to win games,” said Zwane via FARPost.
“We can beat anyone. Stellenbosch, with the quality team that they have, last week they were playing the final and they did very well.
“We gave them a thing or two to learn from us also. It wasn’t a walk in the park for them.
“When you look at where we come from and where we are right now, anyone could have said, ‘No, Stellenbosch are through already’.
“As much as they are through, they had to dig deep for them to go through to the next round,” Zwane concluded.
INJURY NEWS
Soon before Saturday’s shock 3-2 loss to Magesi FC in the Carling Knockout, Orlando Pirates announced nine players are injured, including Olisa Ndah, Tapelo Xoki, Zakhele Lepasa and Bandile Shandu.
Full Statement by the club:
“Orlando Pirates will play host to newly promoted club Magesi FC at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday in their Carling Black Label Cup opener. Unfortunately, the Buccaneers will be without key defender Olisa Ndah, who faces an extended period on the sidelines.
“The Nigerian international who missed out on playing the MTN8 final after suffering an injury in the league match against Polokwane City, is expected to be out on the sidelines for a lengthy spell. The Bucs medical department has confirmed that the 26-year-old has suffered a tibia fracture. Due to the location and nature of the injury; the decision on surgery is not straightforward but based on this type of injury, Ndah has been ruled out for the rest of the year.
In addition to Ndah’s injury, the medical department provided updates on other players in recovery:
Thalente Mbatha
“Continues to undergo rehabilitation regarding the injury he suffered in Pirates 3-1 win over Stellenbosch FC in the MTN8. The Bucs medical team will continue to monitor his progress this week before clearing him to return to full training.
Bandile Shandu
“Has started full training with the team. He has also begun playing 35 minutes for friendly matches. This load will increase every week until he reaches 90 minutes without feeling any discomfort.
Tapelo Xoki
“Has been cleared to return to full training , with focus on agility drills before being allowed to participate in friendly matches.
Goodman Mosele
“Is currently undergoing intermediate rehabilitation phase. He has started jogging and the team has slowly introduced heavy loaded weight training.
Zakhele Lepasa
“Like Mosele, Lepasa is also currently undergoing intermediate rehabilitation phase. He has started running on the field and strength training.
Thabiso Lebitso
“Has started running as part of his progression. Scheduled to start plyometric training as of next week.
Continues with external biokinetic training to improve strength in hamstring and quadriceps.
Sandile Mthethwa
“Sustained an abdominal muscle strain during training. He is attending rehabilitation sessions with a visceral therapist that deals with this type of injuries.
Ethan Visagie
“Sustained a right ankle sprain during training. Post orthopaedic consultation; conservative treatment was suggested as strategy for his recovery,” Orlando Pirates concluded.
