Chaine will miss the opportunity to face his former employers because of a one match suspension.  The former Chilli Boy collected his fourth booking in Pirates’ loss to Gallants over the weekend.

Meanwhile, the Bucs medical team has confirmed with Orlandopiratesfc.com that Tito – who missed out on the clash against Gallants, continues to undergo rehabilitation from an injury he suffered in Bucs’ 2-1 win against Cape Town City last week.

“Tito sustained a grade one strain in our match against Cape Town City. We will continue to monitor his situation and provide the technical team daily updates on his progress,” reads the report.

The medical department has also provided updates on the rest of the squad players:

Miguel Timm (Ankle)

Currently undergoing on-field rehabilitation work while also attending physiotherapy sessions. He is expected to return to full training in 7-14 days.

Thabiso Monyane (Hamstring)

Has started field-based rehabilitation with emphasis on agility, aerobic endurance and accelerations and decelerations. To start high-speed running next week.

Zakhele Lepasa (Ankle)

Has started field-based training with the strength and conditioning team.

Olisa Ndah (Shin)

Has completed his rehabilitation and has returned to full training. Currently on working on his match fitness.

Thabiso Lebitso (Ankle)

Continues to undergo treatment post-surgery. Attending Physiotherapy sessions for acute management.

Thabiso Sesane (Achillies)

Like Lebitso, Sesane also underwent a successful procedure and is currently undergoing treatment while attending Physiotherapy sessions for acute management

Jose Riveiro and his technical team will need every player available during this intense period, as the clash against the Algerian giants marks the first of a demanding 21 days. It’s a challenging schedule by any standard, but there is some encouraging news from the Bucs’ medical department.

Updates on the squad’s fitness could provide a crucial boost as the team navigates this testing phase of the season.

The medical team has provided the following updates:

Players who have returned to full training:
• Tapelo Xoki
• Sandile Mthethwa
• Deano Van Rooyen
• Makhehlene Makhaula
• Thabiso Lebitso
• Thuso Moleleki
• Ethan Visagie

Players currently undergoing rehabilitation:
• Goodman Mosele
• Zakhele Lepasa
• Olisa Ndah

The Nigerian international who missed out on playing the MTN8 final after suffering an injury in the league match against Polokwane City, is expected to be out on the sidelines for a lengthy spell. The Bucs medical department has confirmed that the 26 year old has suffered a tibia fracture. Due to the location and nature of the injury; the decision on surgery is not straightforward but based on this type of injury, Ndah has been ruled out for the rest of the year.

In addition to Ndah’s injury, the medical department provided updates on other players in recovery:

Thalente Mbatha

Continues to undergo rehabilitation regarding the injury he suffered in Pirates 3-1 win over Stellenbosch FC in the MTN8. The Bucs medical team will continue to monitor his progress this week before clearing him to return to full training.

Bandile Shandu

Has started full training with the team. He has also begun playing 35 minutes for friendly matches. This load will increase every week until he reaches 90 minutes without feeling any discomfort.

Tapelo Xoki

Has been cleared to return to full training , with focus on agility drills before being allowed to participate in friendly matches.

Goodman Mosele

Is currently undergoing intermediate rehabilitation phase. He has started jogging and the team has slowly introduced heavy loaded weight training

Zakhele Lepasa

Like Mosele, Lepasa is also currently undergoing intermediate rehabilitation phase. He has started running on the field and strength training.

Thabiso Lebitso

Has started running as part of his progression. Scheduled to start plyometric training as of next week.
Continues with external biokinetic training to improve strength in hamstring and quadriceps.

Sandile Mthethwa

Sustained an abdominal muscle strain during training. He is attending rehabilitation sessions with a visceral therapist that deals with this type of injuries.

Ethan Visagie

Sustained a right ankle sprain during training. Post orthopaedic consultation; conservative treatment was suggested as strategy for his recovery