Orlando Pirates could face another selection headache after Kamogelo Sebelebele suffered an injury during their MTN8 final defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns.
The Buccaneers lost 2-0 to their rivals, who claimed their first MTN8 crown in five years. Goals from Teboho Mokoena and Iqraam Rayners secured the trophy for Masandawana.
However, the defeat brought another concern for Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou. Sebelebele picked up an injury that could keep him out of the upcoming matches.
The 23-year-old defender suffered the setback during the first half. Consequently, Pirates replaced him with Oswin Appollis at the interval.
Despite the substitution, the Soweto giants failed to turn the game around. They ultimately surrendered their hopes of winning the competition for a fifth consecutive season.
Pirates Could Struggle to Replace Sebelebele
Sebelebele’s injury could leave Ouaddou short of natural right-back options. Pirates parted ways with three players who could have provided cover in that position before the season.
Now, the coaching staff may need to consider alternative solutions if Sebelebele misses upcoming fixtures.
One possibility involves deploying Ghampani Lungu at right-back. The Zambian international started on the right wing against Sundowns but endured a frustrating performance.
Lungu struggled to influence the contest and missed a penalty. That opportunity could have given Pirates a chance to fight their way back into the final.
Moving him into defence could therefore create another challenge for Ouaddou. The coach would need to balance his defensive options while finding ways to strengthen the team’s attack.
The situation also raises questions about Pirates’ decision to release Thabiso Lebitso and Deano van Rooyen before the campaign.
Had either defender remained at the club, Ouaddou would have possessed another recognised option at right-back. He could then have replaced Sebelebele without disrupting Lungu’s attacking role.
Furthermore, additional defensive cover might have allowed Pirates to introduce attacking reinforcements earlier in the second half. Mohau Nkota and Kabelo Kgositsile could have offered alternative options as the Buccaneers chased the game.
Sebelebele’s Injury Raises Fresh Concerns
Pirates now face uncertainty over Sebelebele’s availability for their next matches. His potential absence could complicate Ouaddou’s plans as the team attempts to recover from the final defeat.
The defender was seen using crutches after the match. That sight raised concerns among supporters about the possible severity of his injury.
However, the club has yet to establish how serious the setback is or how long he might remain unavailable.
Pirates will hope the injury proves less serious than feared. Nevertheless, losing Sebelebele for an extended period would leave Ouaddou with difficult decisions ahead.
The coach must now prepare for upcoming fixtures while awaiting further clarity on the defender’s condition.
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