Orlando Pirates will lock horns with Golden Arrows tonight at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in a crucial Betway Premiership encounter.
Aiming to narrow the gap on league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates’ preparations have been hampered by the unavailability of two key players.
After their morale-boosting come from behind victory over arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto Derby on Saturday, the Might Buccaneers now face a swift turnaround for their midweek fixture in Durban.
This follows a mixed run of form that saw them suffer consecutive defeats against Pyramids FC in continental competition and Sekhukhune United in the league.
Read: Jose Riveiro praises Orlando Pirates fighting spirit as his exit nears
Despite the derby triumph, coach Jose Riveiro will have to strategize without the influential midfield presence of Thalente Mbatha and the defensive steel of Nkosinathi Sibisi, both of whom are suspended for this match.
Thalente Mbatha, who has forged a formidable central midfield partnership with Makhehlene Makhaula, picked up his fourth yellow card of the league campaign during the Soweto Derby.
The Bafana Bafana international has been a consistent performer under outgoing boss Jose Riveiro, making 38 appearances across all competitions, contributing four goals and one assist. The 25-year-old’s permanent move to Pirates in July 2024 followed a successful loan spell from SuperSport United.
Adding to Riveiro’s selection concerns is the continued absence of Nkosinathi Sibisi. The tough tackling defender is serving the second match of his two-game suspension after receiving a red card during the Betway Premiership fixture against Sekhukhune United.
Despite these setbacks, Orlando Pirates head into the clash against Golden Arrows sitting second in the league standings with 49 points from 22 matches. Kick off is set for 19:30 on Tuesday, 06th May at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.