Orlando Pirates’ complement of players in Bafana Bafana’s ill-fated African Nations Cup campaign experienced mixed levels of success — and the group have provided an equally mixed legacy on their return to the Buccaneers’ training camp.
The bad news for Pirates as they prepare for their opening fixture against Silver Stars next Wednesday was announced on Sunday when a Buccaneers spokesperson revealed midfield dynamo Benedict Vilakazi returned from Egypt with a hamstring injury, which is expected to keep him out of soccer for two to four weeks.
”This is definitely a serious blow,” added the Buccaneers’ spokesperson.
”It might not always be accurate, but the assumption that Pirates only function on full throttle when Vilakazi is in top gear has a measure of truth to it.”
Vilakazi also has another reason for being distracted from training at Pirates’ Mayfair headquarters — namely the rape case against him which resumes on February 14 in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court.
Pirates are hoping the signing of Siyabonga Nomvete will offset the loss of Vilakazi when the long-time Bafana player makes his expected debut for the Buccaneers against Silver Stars at Ellis Park.
Pirates’ main shortcoming during a spate of frustrating results in their most recent PSL matches has been a reliable, consistent goal-scorer.
And it will be interesting to note in what manner Bafana’s nightmare ordeal at the Nations Cup will affect such talented, but relatively inexperienced players as Lebohang Mokoena, Sailor Tshabalala and Joseph Makhanya. – Sapa