In-form Orlando Pirates defender will undergo surgery

Orlando Pirates’ in-form defender Thabiso Lebitso will have to undergo surgery, potentially ending his season.

The 28-year-old right-back was taken off during the Buccaneers’ 4-0 over Royal AM on Sunday afternoon. Lebitso has been exceptional since joining the Sea Robbers from Chippa United in January.

Although the defender is expected to miss several games, Orlando Pirates have enough cover at the back.

“The game between Orlando Pirates and Royal AM has brought mixed news. Just as Orlando Pirates celebrated a commanding 4-0 victory over Royal AM in an all-important DStv Premiership on Sunday afternoon, the Buccaneers have suffered a significant setback with the injury to Thabiso Lebitso.

“The Bucs medical team has revealed to Orlandopiratesfc.com that the 28-year-old right-back has suffered a broken collarbone, which requires surgical intervention.

“The prognosis of how long Lebitso will be out for will be known post his procedure,” Pirates said in a statement.

Lebitso welcomed himself to the Bucs’ faithful with a stunningly taken goal as Pirates defeated rivals Kaizer Chiefs 3-2. His screamer was voted DStv Premiership Goal of the Month for February/March. For the goal, the Orlando Pirates defender received R7 000 courtesy of league sponsors.

Orlando Pirates defender Lebitso ruled out for rest of the season?

He has played eight matches in the DStv so far for the Buccaneers and has looked solid at the back. When attacking, Lebitso has been equally impressive, and his Soweto Derby goal boosted his confidence.

Speaking to iDiski Times earlier this month, the former Chippa United revealed why he went to goal in the derby.

Pirates to face CP City without Lebitso

“It’s a really great feeling to score the goal, because as a midfielder, now [even] defender you quite don’t get the chance to score goals but I scored one of the goals so far in my career, so it’s a great feeling,” said the Orlando Pirates defender.

His thunderbolt also helped Pirates secure a double over rivals Kaizer Chiefs this season. Scoring in a derby is special, but scoring a long-range equalising goal in front of 90,000 people is pandemonium. “It was a beautiful goal. I just saw it now, so it was a beautiful goal, and it’s welcoming for me to play for this big institute,” Lebitso told the club.

Orlando Pirates will play their next matches without their key defender. The Soweto Giants travel to the Cape to face Cape Town City on Wednesday afternoon.