Late Derby Scares Leave Pirates Holding Breath

Nkosinathi Sibisi during the Betway Premiership match between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates

Orlando Pirates may have walked away from the Soweto derby with bragging rights and three crucial points, but there were lingering concerns over two key figures following the 3-0 triumph.

Captain Nkosinathi Sibisi and midfielder Thalente Mbatha both appeared to pick up knocks during the convincing Betway Premiership victory over arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs at a packed FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

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Sibisi, who marshalled the backline impressively and wore the captain’s armband with authority, did not finish the encounter after suffering a head knock with roughly five minutes remaining.

The centre-back was forced off at a stage when Pirates had already utilised their three substitution windows – meaning, despite not exhausting all five substitutions, the Buccaneers had no opportunity to introduce a replacement.

As a result, the Soweto giants saw out the closing minutes with 10 men. Given the increasing caution around head injuries in modern football, there were understandable fears that Sibisi could be facing time on the sidelines.

However, indications are that the knock may not be as serious as initially feared. While the club has yet to issue a detailed medical update, it is believed that early assessments have been encouraging, raising optimism that the skipper could still be available for selection in the coming days.

Mbatha, meanwhile, was withdrawn deep into the second half after appearing to experience some discomfort, in what was his first appearance following an injury layoff that had sidelined him for several matches.

The timing of his withdrawal sparked speculation that he may have sustained a knock that could rule him out of the next fixture.

Yet, information filtering through suggests that his substitution may have been more precautionary than reactive.

The Bafana Bafana midfielder delivered a solid and industrious display in the middle of the park and is understood to be keen to build on that performance as Pirates prepare for their next assignment.

The Buccaneers are scheduled to travel to Limpopo to face Polokwane City at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday – a fixture that could prove significant in the broader context of their title ambitions.

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While Sibisi and Mbatha appear to be winning their respective fitness races, Pirates will definitely be without Kamogelo Sebelebele, who is suspended after accumulating his fourth yellow card of the season during the derby.

For now, there seems to be cautious optimism within the Buccaneers camp. And if early signs are anything to go by, the derby scare involving Sibisi and Mbatha might turn out to be nothing more than a brief moment of anxiety on an otherwise dominant afternoon for the Soweto giants. 

Photo by Samuel Shivambu/BackpgePix 

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