Orlando Pirates will be without a key defender for their DStv Premiership clash against AmaZulu on Saturday, 20 May 2023.
Pirates are scheduled to take on Usuthu in their last league game of the season at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, with kick-off set for 15:00.
The Soweto giants head coach Jose Riveiro will have to work around his squad to find a better replacement for his key suspended centre-back for the upcoming important league match due to suspension.
The AmaZulu game is a very important showdown for the Buccaneers as they would love to consolidate their second spot with the aim to qualify for the CAF Champions League next term.
As things stand, the Sea Robbers are placed second on the table with 51 points, level on points with the third-placed SuperSport United. The goal difference separates the two teams.
THE SUSPENDED ORLANDO PIRATES PLAYER
The key suspended player in question is the defender Tapelo Xoki, who has been phenomenal for the side this season, having joined them from AmaZulu.
Xoki picked up a yellow card in a league game against Sekhukhune United over the weekend. He will be out for one game.
The 28-year-old footballer has been instrumental for Pirates, which saw him captaining the team, a role he also performed at his former club AmaZulu.
So far, Xoki featured in 27 games across all competitions for Pirates this campaign, scoring one goal and contributing one assist in the process.
Pirates cannot afford to drop points when they face the KwaZulu-Natal side as they are determined to make their fans happy by competing with the best in the African football competitions.
Luckily enough, Xoki will be back for the Nedbank Cup final on the 27th of May against Sekhukhune at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
Meanwhile, AmaZulu, on the other hand, will be without the services of the talented left-back Riaan Hanamub.
LIST OF ALL SUSPENDED PLAYERS FOR THIS WEEKEND
AmaZulu
Riaan Hanamub
Cape Town City
Fidel Abina
Lorenzo Gordinho
Mamelodi Sundowns
Aubrey Modiba
Mothobi Mvala
Marumo Gallants
Ranga Chivaviro
Orlando Pirates
Tapelo Xoki
Stellenbosch FC
Sage Stephens
SuperSport United
Thulani Hlatshwayo
TS Galaxy
Kamogelo Sebelebele
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