Orlando Pirates will be missing two key players, Nkosinathi Sibisi and Evidence Makgopa when they take on Lamontville Golden Arrows this weekend.
The match is part of the DStv Premiership and will be played at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday evening.
Evidence Makgopa has been out of action since March due to an injury he sustained against Polokwane City. Since then, Tshegofatso Mabasa, who has returned to Pirates after a loan spell, has stepped up and taken up the mantle for the Sea Robbers.
Orlando Pirates and Arrows face off in Orlando
Mabasa has been in great form, scoring four goals in just seven appearances across different competitions this season, taking his tally to 10 goals for the season.
Orlando Pirates fans will be hoping that he can continue his fine run of form against Arrows.
Nkosinathi Sibisi, who joined Pirates from Golden Arrows, will be unable to face his former team following his red card in the match against Swallows. This will be a big blow for the Pirates, as Sibisi is a key defender and a regular starter for the team.
Orlando Pirates will be looking to complete back-to-back league doubles over Arrows on Saturday.
The Buccaneers have had the upper hand in most of their encounters with Arrows, winning 20 of the 37 league matches played since 2004 while losing only six. The KwaZulu-Natal outfit has had very little success against the Pirates, with their last win against the Soweto Giants being over three years ago when they scored two unanswered goals at home.
Orlando Pirates need a win to boost their chances of finishing in the top two league positions and qualifying for the Caf Champions League. This is a crucial match for the Buccaneers, as they are currently in third place, four points behind second-placed AmaZulu, with just two matches remaining in the season. A win against Arrows will take them closer to their goal of finishing in the top two and securing a place in the prestigious Caf Champions League.
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