Orlando Pirates fans have added to the build-up drama ahead of tomorrow’s titanic clash between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, by dismissing reports that the deadly Peter Shalulile will miss the tie through injury.
Speculation swelled when Sundowns co-coaches Rulani Mokoena and Manqoba Mngqithi issued contradicting statements about Shalulile, just days before they face the Bucs in the MTN 8 semifinal, second leg clash against Orlando Pirates at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.
Speaking shortly after the narrow 1-0 win over Marumo Gallants on Wednesday night, Mokoena described the reigning player of the year’s situation as complicated.
“He’s got a little complicated situation and we are trying to see various specialists to get different opinions. The club will give an update, but at the moment he is unavailable because there is a bit of a complication. I mean muscular (injury) nothing else,” he said.
A day later, Mngqithi appeared to suggest that Sundowns’ top goal scorer last season was a secret weapon being preserved for the Pirates showdown.
“He might come in as a big surprise for this match. His condition is still okay in terms of physicality. We just have to wait for the report from the specialists,” said Mngqithi.
Fans were quick to pick up the double speak, and took to Twitter to air their views on the mystery around the availability of the Namibian hitman.
A fan going by the Twitter handle King8sdh wrote: “ PLEASE don’t listen to mind games from Rulani saying Shalulile won’t be available thats bull***t. I hope they won’t block our bus from entering Loftus Staddium. Goodluck Bhakaniya (sic)”
He was supported by Tumelo Mothiba who wrote: “Shalulile is not injured. He just don’t want to be bottled on Saturday afternoon.”
@Vuyiswamb took a tongue in cheek dig at the Sea Robbers fans when he posted that: “So if Shalulile appears on the starting lineup tomorrow, some of the Orlando hooligans are going to collapse.”
As Shalulile trended all day @JaneDou13 also had her say on her timeline.
“Shalulile is just fine, see him tomorrow. Let the game begin. I don’t want an easy game for my team because I want them to play in the CAF (Champions League) with tough teams”.
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