CAPE TOWN – He had already endeared himself to his new fans, but now goalkeeper Brilliant Khuzwayo won’t be able to make his Orlando Pirates competitive debut – just yet.
Having made the big move from arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs, Khuzwayo was hoping to make a big impression at the Buccaneers.
And by doing that, he wanted to even challenge Chiefs No 1 Itumeleng Khune as the Bafana Bafana first-choice goal-minder.
On Monday, he added: “I actually still can’t believe I’m playing for the best team in the world.”
But now his journey has been temporarily halted. Pirates announced on Wednesday that Khuzwayo has been ruled out for three to four weeks due to injury.
“Khuzwayo will see an orthopaedic surgeon this week to remove screws in his ankle and to have a scope performed,” the club said on their website.
“Although not serious, this treatment is more of a corrective measure to allow the player to endure a pain-free season with the Buccaneers.”
Wayne Sandilands is the likely No 1 for Saturday’s Absa Premiership opener against Highlands Park, while Jackson Mabokgwane and Siyabonga Mpontshane are the other leading shot-stoppers in the squad.
Stéphane Adam is the first team's specialist coach for finishing. Photo: @OrlandoPirates on Twitter
Meanwhile, Pirates also announced an interesting addition to the technical team: “Stéphane Adam has been appointed to the Orlando Pirates first team as a specialist coach for finishing.
“Adam is a former player himself with a career spanning over 14 years, where he played for clubs such as Lille and FC Metz in France before joining Scottish club Hearts.
“The French-born coach joins the Buccaneers from French outfit Lille.”