Orlando Pirates have a renaissance man in their attack. Can he keep it up while the club deals with crippling injuries at the start of the season?

Orlando Pirates boss backs Maswanganyi

Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has called on creative midfielder Patrick Maswanganyi to assume more responsibility for the champions. With Rele Mofokeng departed, 27-year-old Maswanganyi will be expected to carry the burden of supplying chances for teammates. Maswanganyi got a goal and an assist against Durban City in the MTN8 quarters. He also supplied Gamphani Lungu’s opener against Chippa.

Injuries force a midfield rejig for the champions

According to Goal, Bafana midfielder Thalente Mbatha also has a knee issue which might require surgery, while Sihle Nduli also has a knock. After a stodgy start against Chippa, Pirates produced an improved second stanza to beat the Chilli Boys 3-0. The goals came from unlikely sources in the shape of Gamphani Lungu, Lebone Seema and Daniel Msendami. In the absence of Nduli and Mbatha, Cemran Dansin and Thapelo Mokobodi started at the base of midfield. The pair have a combined age of 44, and they might need to dovetail effectively with Maswanganyi, the senior statesman.

Can Pirates cope with all of their mounting injuries?