Cape Town - Orlando Pirates admit they may be without Thabo Matlaba for this
weekend's clash against Free State Stars after he picked up an injury
while on international duty.
The full-back was ruled out of South Africa's 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Congo on Wednesday after picking up an Achilles tendon injury in training just 24 hours prior to the Peter Mokaba Stadium stalemate.
And, Matlaba is now facing a late fitness test for the Buccaneers, who will be looking to keep pace with runaway Premiership leaders Kaizer Chiefs when they host Ea Lla Koto at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday evening.
“He (Matlaba) did not train today (Thursday); he is under treatment and we will soon be able to tell when he will return to the team," read a brief statement on Pirates' official website.
The Sea Robbers have an otherwise fully-fit squad to choose from as they look to improve on their fifth-placed standing, having managed 11 points from their opening seven matches.
The full-back was ruled out of South Africa's 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Congo on Wednesday after picking up an Achilles tendon injury in training just 24 hours prior to the Peter Mokaba Stadium stalemate.
And, Matlaba is now facing a late fitness test for the Buccaneers, who will be looking to keep pace with runaway Premiership leaders Kaizer Chiefs when they host Ea Lla Koto at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday evening.
“He (Matlaba) did not train today (Thursday); he is under treatment and we will soon be able to tell when he will return to the team," read a brief statement on Pirates' official website.
The Sea Robbers have an otherwise fully-fit squad to choose from as they look to improve on their fifth-placed standing, having managed 11 points from their opening seven matches.