Breaking: Pirates vs Sekhukhune – Tripple blow for Bucs as key player is ruled out

Orlando Pirates are set to face Sekhukhune United for the second time in 72 hours in the Premier Soccer League.

The first meeting this season was in the first leg of the MTN8 semi-final on Saturday at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane. A lone strike by Deon Hotto was enough to hand the defending champions a 1-0 victory.

This will be the second time, in a week, that the two teams will be facing each other across all competitions. The next date will be on Sunday at the Orlando Amstel Arena in the second leg of the MTN8 semi-final.

However, before then, the teams are set to meet in the Premier Soccer League on Tuesday night. Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, who is already missing the injured duo Thalente Mbatha and Sihle Nduli, will miss influential trio for the date with Babina Noko.

Who is missing for Pirates?

“Orlando Pirates return to Betway Premiership action tonight when they host Sekhukhune United at Orlando Amstel Arena,” the Sea Robbers confirmed.

“The Buccaneers will be without Tshepang Moremi, who did not pass a late fitness test ahead of the encounter. The Bafana Bafana winger continues to recover from the injury he sustained during Pirates’ 1-1 draw against AmaZulu.

“Andre de Jong also remains unavailable for selection as he continues his recovery from injury.

“Meanwhile, Assistant Coach Mandla Ncikazi will also be absent from the bench tonight. Having undergone emergency knee surgery during pre-season, Coach Ncikazi has continued to experience discomfort following the procedure.

“The Club has granted him a short period away from his duties to return to KwaZulu-Natal, where he will receive further medical attention and focus on his recovery,” they concluded.