Abdeslam Ouaddou rules Pirates star out of CAFCL clash

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has ruled out defender Kamogelo Sebelebele for their CAF Champions League clash against African Star at Botswana National Stadium on Saturday.

The 24-year-old right-back sustained an injury in the MTN8 final defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns, subsequently missing the Betway Premiership win over TS Galaxy on Tuesday.

He has been a mainstay since joining the Buccaneers from the Rockets at the beginning of last season, and has already made 12 appearances across all competitions in the current campaign.

Pirates, however, will have to do without his reliable services for a second successive match when they do battle with the Namibian champions, with new signing Bulelani Sigomoshe expected to provide cover.

“He's still assessed by the medical department, I still hope that it's not so bad, but we'll have more news, I think soon,” said the Bucs mentor.

"I think for the Champions League, definitely, I cannot use him but we'll see for the next games if we can have him or not, but we hope it's not so bad.

On the other hand, the Betway Premiership champions are sweating over the fitness of talisman Oswin Appollis, who appeared to pick up a knock against Galaxy and was ultimately withdrawn.

“It seems to be fatigue, I hope really, because he's one of our best players, important player in the group. We have an important game now in the Champions League, we have the derby coming,” Ouaddou added.

"I don't have too much information about that for now, I just didn't want to take a risk with him, he's a very important player. So, when I spoke with him and with the medical department, we just had this idea not to take a risk.

Pirates will be eager to secure a favourable result away from home, as they look to book a spot in the group stage of the Champions League after crashing out at this stage of the competition last season.

Hlayisani Magoro

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Football journalist from South Africa covering African football news, exclusive stories and key events while sharing insights with passionate fans of the game.

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