Pirates injury blow: Duo ruled out of AmaZulu clash

Orlando Pirates have confirmed that midfielders Sihle Nduli and Selaelo Rasebotja will play no part in tonight’s crucial Betway Premiership showdown against AmaZulu FC.

The Sea Robbers have touched down in Durban for a clash at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, knowing that a victory will see them leapfrog Mamelodi Sundowns to claim a three-point lead at the summit of the log.

Pirates are currently riding high following a 2-0 demolition of Magesi FC, but the heavy schedule is beginning to take its toll on the squad depth at Mayfair.

NDULI’S ABSENCE FELT BY PIRATES

The absence of Sihle Nduli remains a significant concern for head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou. Since his high-profile move from Stellenbosch FC in July 2025, the 30-year-old anchor has been the heartbeat of the Pirates midfield.

Before his injury layoff just before the 2025 AFCON break, Nduli was instrumental in guiding the Soweto giants to both the MTN8 and Carling Knockout Cup titles. His grit in the middle of the park has been missed, and fans will have to wait longer to see the midfield enforcer back in action.

Meanwhile, Selaelo Rasebotja remains sidelined with a long-term injury that has completely derailed his 2025/26 campaign. Known affectionately as ‘Iniesta’, Rasebotja is yet to feature in the first round of the season, leaving Ouaddou with limited options in the creative department as the Nedbank Cup looms.

With the “fixtures coming thick and fast,” the Pirates technical team has hinted at a reshuffle. The injury updates on Nduli and Rasebotja could open the door for marquee signing Mpho Chabatsane.

Chabatsane has been a frustrated figure on the bench in the previous two outings, but he is now widely expected to make his mark in the starting XI as Pirates look to manage the workload of their stars.

“Head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou could shuffle his pack on Tuesday… while midfielders Sihle Nduli and Selaelo Rasebotja continue to recover,” the club confirmed via their official platforms.

A win tonight would send a massive statement to Chloorkop, but doing it without their midfield mainstays will be the ultimate test of Pirates’ title credentials.