Break gives injured Bucs players a chance to heal

Cape Town - As the nations around the globe prepare themselves for the start of the 2018 Soccer World Cup qualifiers, clubs such as Orlando Pirates are welcoming the break to focus on the recovery of some of their injured stars.

The Buccaneers, who have produced two back-to-back under par performances in the league recently, are looking to capitalise on the international break to regain their form and also focus on the recovery of players such as Gift Motupa, Thabo Rakhale and Siyabonga Mpontshane, who are currently receiving treatment.

According to club’s official website, Rakhale suffered a hamstring strain but fortunately for the Ghost, “Jomo” as he is affectionately known, is nearing a full recovery and looks likely to be available for selection in the Absa Premiership match against his former employers, Polokwane City.

Goalkeeper Mpontshane is still receiving treatment for a knee injury he suffered in the MDC defeat to Maritzburg United last week. Mpontshane is expected to be out for about a week.

Meanwhile, Motupa continues to receive treatment on his injured hamstring and will most likely miss the upcoming league encounter.

Gladwin Shitolo is currently undergoing rehab. He is currently three weeks post injury and an estimated three weeks away from starting training.

Midfielder Nkosinathi Mthiyane is in rehabilitation and has started light jogging with the biokineticist. He is an estimated two weeks away from a return to the field.