Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana left-back Paseka Mako has been ruled out of contention for the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) set to get underway in January next year in Ivory Coast.
Paseka Mako’s AFCON dreams were dashed by a knee injury, which will be see him out of action for six months. On Tuesday, Pirates via a statement said: “Paseka returned from national team (Bafana) duty complaining of discomfort in his knee.
“Tests were carried upon his return which showed that the 29-year-old had suffered a PCL tear ruling him out for up to six months.
Mako has undergone a very successful surgery and is already one month post op.” Mako’s injury is a major setback for Bafana as coach Hugo Broos doesn’t have too many options at left-back position.
PASEKA MASO’S AFCON DREAMS DASHED BY INJURY
With Innocent Maela racing against time to be fit as he is recovering from an injury, Bafana will look to Aubrey Modiba to play in the position.
The Mamelodi Sundowns star, Modiba, is the only player in the current Bafana squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers who has the ability to play at left-back.
“Maela continues to make positive strides towards recovery after opting to undergo corrective surgery on a niggling groin strain,” reads the Pirates statement.
“The Bucs’ captain is four weeks post op (18 September) and is expected to return to training in December.” In addition, Pirates also gave an update on the injuries on several other players including Kermit Erasmus and Lesedi Kapinga.
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“Kapinga has recovered from a Grade 2 hamstring strain which has sidelined him for the past month. The 28-year-old has since returned to full training. Kermit is expected to return to full training today after recovering from a hamstring strain in win over Kaizer Chiefs.”
THABISO MONYANE SUFFERED GRADE 2 TEAR
Orlando Pirates’ Monyane out until December with MCL injury. The midfielder is currently in the acute phase of rehab.
“Kabelo Dlamini. Good news came out of the medical team is that the recovery of Dlamini who has returned to full training. Dlamini had suffered a Grade 2 tear in training on October 12.
“Sipho Chaine. Goalkeeper Sipho Chaine continues to receive treatment after suffering a Grade 1 tear in the Carling Black Label Knockout clash against Cape Town Spurs. The nature of the injury has a 6-8 week recovery period and Chaine is now four weeks post injury.
“Makhehlene Makhaula. He is a week away from making full recovery after spending the last 18 days recovering from a hamstring strain.
“Azola Matrose. He rejoined the Club at the beginning of the season carrying an injury he suffered while loaned to Chippa United. The enterprising winger suffered a fracture which required surgery. The 20-year-old continues to receive treatment and should return to full training in the new year.”