WITH burly striker Collins Mbesuma out of action for between six and nine weeks due to a knee injury, Orlando Pirates have develop a plan to help him shed some weight.

Pirates assistant coach Tebogo Moloi said the club's biokineticist, Mandy-Lee Solomon, has also been asked to get in touch with a dietician to help Mbesuma.

The Zambian international sustained the injury when Pirates eliminated SuperSport United in the MTN8 match in Mbombela two weeks ago.

"We were a bit concerned after being informed that Collins would be out of action for six to nine weeks, hence we had to get all the experts to assist him during the injury," said Moloi.

"The report we received from the medical team is that Collins is doing very well.

"He has been doing some gym work and has already shed 2kg.

"The incredible performance of the team makes him want to come back and contribute to our success.

"He is a highly experienced striker and having him back in the team is what we need.

"We have been supporting him all the way like we do with our players."

Besides Mbesuma, Pirates also have midfielder Thandani Ntshumayelo out for about six weeks because of a knee injury.

On Sunday's game against Zamalek in the African Champions League group stages clash in Egypt, Moloi said: "The main thing we need to guard against is complacency going into this game.

"We need one more win to qualify for the semifinals because we will be sitting on 10 points.

"Our message to South Africans is that we won't let you down in Egypt."

The Buccaneers left for Egypt last night to meet the five-time champions, whom they defeated 4-1 in the first-leg clash in Soweto a fortnight ago.