The Buccaneers have been beset by major injuries to top players in recent seasons, and the 2013/14 campaign has shown no signs of an ease up through the physio room, with the likes of Collins Mbesuma, Patrick Phungwayo and Thandani Ntshumayelo all spending significant amounts of time on the treatment table.
And while the club still awaits a final assessment on how long Sangweni – who spent a lengthy period on the sidelines with a knee injury earlier this year – will be out for, they’ll pray it’s not as bad as some of these …
Benson Mhlongo
The Pirates hardman suffered multiple injuries to his knee in a horrific incident against AmaZulu back in October 2009, and scans later revealed that he had suffered extensive damage to his anterior cruciate ligament and damage to the patella. He spent more than 18 months out, with the now well-publicised Pirates insurance papers debacle nearly finishing his career before he bounced back in style with Platinum Stars.
Lucas Thwala
The former Bafana Bafana left-back broke his ankle in a practice match in August 2010 and spent five months on the sidelines. Those in the know will tell you he never fully recovered and in January 2012 he was sent on loan to Platinum Stars, before joining SuperSport United where he again hurt his ankle in a practice game. Gavin Hunt later commented that Thwala may never play again.
Happy Jele
The defender damaged his anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments and tore the meniscus against Bidvest Wits in November 2011. He made his comeback 12 months later, scoring with his first touch back on the field in a 4-0 victory against Black Leopards.
Robyn Johannes
The former Mamelodi Sundowns player’s ill-fated spell at Pirates took a turn for the worse in November 2012 when he injured his knee and underwent an operation in November 2012. Initial prognosis was four months out, but he only returned seven months later – before being shipped off to Maritzburg United with only 22 starts for Pirates under his belt.
Rooi Mahamutsa
Another defender to suffer the injury curse, Mahamutsa tore his Achilles tendon on November 4, 2012 during a Telkom Knockout match against Bloemfontein Celtic. He missed the remained of the 2012/13 season.
Patrick Phunwayo
The left-back was another victim of an Achilles injury, suffering the injury in last week’s MTN Final against Platinum Stars – just four days after his Man of the Match display against Kaizer Chiefs in the semifinals. He is likely to return to training around February.