Orlando Pirates may have suffered a major setback with Gamphani Lungu’s injury, but Abdeslam Ouaddou has several attacking options available as the Buccaneers enter a busy period.
Lungu has been one of Pirates’ standout performers since the start of the season, making his injury during the club’s 4-0 victory over Kruger United a particularly concerning development.
The Zambian winger was carried off on a stretcher and now faces a nervous wait for the outcome of his assessment.
Lungu injury comes at the worst possible time
Lungu has made a sensational start to life at Pirates, scoring four goals and providing two assists in five Betway Premiership appearances.
His performances have quickly made him one of the most dangerous players in the Buccaneers’ attack.
Pirates are therefore unlikely to take any risks with the winger, particularly with a demanding CAF Champions League qualifying campaign approaching.
The timing of Mohau Nkota’s return on loan could prove extremely useful.
The Bafana Bafana attacker is back at Pirates after a spell in Saudi Arabia and provides Ouaddou with another option in the wide attacking positions.
Pirates have attacking depth
Losing a player in Lungu’s current form would hurt any team, but Pirates are not short of alternatives.
Nkota can provide width and attacking pace, while Oswin Appollis and Tshepang Moremi are also available to compete for starting roles.
That depth should allow Ouaddou to manage Lungu’s absence without immediately placing excessive pressure on another player.
The bigger question will be whether anyone can replicate the consistency and end product Lungu has delivered during the opening weeks of the campaign.
Midfield also facing injury problems
Pirates are dealing with concerns beyond the attacking department.
Sihle Nduli and Thalente Mbatha are both sidelined, creating opportunities for players such as Cemran Dansin, Thapelo Mokobodi, Simphiwe Selepe and Mthetheleli Mthiyane.
What initially looked like a squad crisis has instead given several emerging players valuable opportunities to establish themselves.
That depth could become particularly important with Pirates juggling domestic and continental commitments.
Champions League comes first
The Buccaneers’ immediate focus is the CAF Champions League, where they face La Cure Waves FC in a qualifying double-header on 6 and 12 September.
With Lungu’s fitness still uncertain, Ouaddou will have to carefully manage his attacking resources.
Pirates’ next Betway Premiership fixture comes on 16 September against Durban City.
The defending champions have made an excellent start to their league campaign, winning four of their opening five matches and drawing the other.
Interestingly, title rivals Mamelodi Sundowns have an identical record.
For now, Pirates will hope Lungu’s injury is not as serious as initially feared. But if the winger is forced to spend an extended period on the sidelines, the return of Nkota could become even more important.
Can Pirates maintain their strong start without their breakout star?
