Ofori very unlikely to feature against Enyimba

Injury woes seem to be never -ending at Orlando Pirates, with coach Josef Zinnbauer in a race against time to get his players fit for their clash against Enyimba in a Caf Confederation Cup Group A tie at Orlando Stadium tomorrow.

The latest injury that’s a major concern for the coach is that of goalkeeper Richard Ofori (right), who became Bucs’ latest causality in their opening match of the group phase against ES Setif away from home last Wednesday.

Ofori was stretchered off in the 15th minute of that tie, and was subsequently replaced by Siyabonga Mpontshane, in a game that ended in a goalless stalemate.

Zinnbauer has welcomed back the likes of Gabadinho Mhango, Tshegofatso Mabasa, Bongani Sam and Thembinkosi Lorch, to mention a few, but as they recover, new injury worries arise.

“I don’t have 100% information, but it’s a muscle problem (Ofori’s injury). I think it was bad, but we will get more details in the next few days, but it does not look good,” the Bucs mentor revealed.

“The ankles are a problem at the moment. We also have a lot of players who have broken toes.

It’s not...an intensity problem or even a conditioning problem. The problem is always in the duels (challenges).”

Zinnbauer will be hoping his number-one shot-stopper gets back on his feet in no time but highly unlikely at least for tomorrow’s clash against the Nigerian outfit, who are on top of the Group A table.

Enyimba began their group stages on a positive note after beating Al-Ahly Benghazi of Libya.

The Nigerians claimed a 2-1 victory over the Libyan side at home.

For the Buccaneers, it will be crucial for them to ensure that they get maximum points, especially since they are playing at home, and to give them a chance to top the group after the hardearned point against Setif on neutral territoryin Ghana.