Xoki Opens Up On Recovery Journey After “Horrific” Crash
Orlando Pirates defender Thapelo Xoki has provided an encouraging update on his road to recovery, expressing profound gratitude for his life and the club’s medical staff following the car accident that sidelined him at the start of the season.
The former AmaZulu captain has been out of action since August 2025. The incident occurred on the R21 highway following Pirates’ 3-0 victory over Chippa United at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
The crash also involved head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, goalkeeper coach Tyron Damons, and a backroom staff member.
The Long Road Back
While coach Ouaddou removed his arm cast, both Xoki and Damons remain notable absentees from the match-day squad.
Xoki, who has yet to feature in a competitive match this campaign, revealed he is making steady progress under the guidance of the Buccaneers’ medical team.
“I’m grateful for life, and I’m also grateful to our physios for the role they’ve played,” Xoki stated.
“I’m thankful to everyone at the club who has supported me throughout this journey. I’m currently busy with recovery, and it’s going well. I’m just taking it one day at a time.”
Chasing the “Elusive” League Title
Despite his physical absence from the pitch, Xoki remains a spiritual anchor for a Pirates side locked in a titanic title tussle with Mamelodi Sundowns.
The Buccaneers currently lead the Betway Premiership with 51 points after 22 matches, though a recent 1-1 draw against Siwelele handed the advantage back to Sundowns, who sit one point behind with a game in hand.
For Xoki, winning a first league title since the 2011/12 season is the ultimate priority, even if he has to watch from the sidelines.
“Winning the league has always been the goal,” Xoki added.
“Everyone who joins this club knows we have to win every tournament we enter. Unfortunately, the league is a marathon, and we are gaining the experience needed to understand the dynamics of getting over the line.”
Learning from Past Heartbreak
After finishing as runners-up to Sundowns for three consecutive seasons, Xoki believes the current squad finally possesses the tactical maturity to end the Brazilians’ eight-year dominance.
“This has been a build-up over the years. We are in a good position now. In past seasons, we’ve fallen short, but hopefully, we finish strong and get the one we’ve always wanted. It is the only trophy that has eluded us so far, and that is the one we are looking for.”
