Ahead of their MTN8 final this weekend, Orlando Pirates opened their doors to the media and there were a number of highlights that caught the Siya crew's attention.
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Pirates, fresh from their Soweto Derby disappointment, are gearing up to take on AmaZulu at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. Kick off is at 18:00.
The Buccaneers look focused and are keen on lifting their first trophy since 2020 and here are a few factors in the Bucs camp ahead of Saturday's final.
No Lorch In Sight
Thembinkosi Lorch was a notable absentee from the Pirates training at the Rand Stadium. The 29-year-old's season has been blighted by injury, the latest of which is understood to be a knee injury, for which he is currently undergoing rehabilitation. He has made just five appearances in all competitions for coach Jose Riveiro's side this season.
Hotto's fitness a concern
Bucs fans will be a tad bit concerned over the fitness of Namibian international Deon Hotto. Rather than taking in part in training with his teammates, Hotto did some work on the side of the side of the field with Physiotherapist Lauren Tate. It remains to be seen whether he will be deemed fit for Saturday's final.
Mabena still training
Two months after he initially started training with the team, Ndumiso Mabena is still training with Pirates. The 35-year-old's conditioning appears to be an area of concern for the Buccaneers as he was put through his paces by assistant fitness coach Percy Moloi. There is no indication form the club over whether Mabena will be signed by the club.
Makhubela and Mthethwa on the periphery
Ntsako Makhubela and Sandile Mthethwa are two of only four stars who have yet to feature for Pirates this season. The other being Evidence Makgopa who has been recovering from a nasty ankle injury and fourth-choice goalkeeper Kopano Thuntsane. With their futures at the club looking bleak under coach Riveiro, the duo trained away from the rest of the group.
Recovering stars making progress
Vincent Pule, Tebogo Tlolane and Thabang Monare are amongst the Pirates players who have been struggling with injury of late and appear to be making progress in their recovery from their respective niggles. The trio were put through their paces on the side by the club's fitness trainers.
