Orlando Pirates star players Thabo Rakhale and Thabo Qalinge have allegedly undergone circumcision procedures two weeks ago.

As a result, the two players are understood to have missed training sessions and friendly games against Polokwane City, Bloemfontein Celtic and Bidvest Wits that took place at Wits University on Friday. It is believed that the pair will also miss the Carling Black Label Cup that will pit their team against arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs at a sold-out FNB Stadium on Saturday.

Rakhale's agent Mandla Mthembu neither denied nor confirmed the news, saying it was a "private matter".

"The medical team of the club are the ones who are better placed to talk on the matter," he said.

Orlando Pirates administrator Floyd Mbhele said: "It would be unfair for the club to comment on the matter because circumcision is a personal thing, which unlike pregnancy is not out in the open. All I know is that the players are at training."

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