Orlando Pirates are facing a potential setback as the availability of their star player, Patrick Maswanganyi, hangs in the balance ahead of the sold-out showdown against Marumo Gallants.
In a crucial Betway Premiership encounter, Pirates take on Gallants away from home at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Saturday [today], with kickoff set for 17:45.
With a 15-point gap behind league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, despite having four matches in hand, Pirates will seek to maintain their pursuit of the title with a victory over Siwelele Sa Marumo. In the first round, the Soweto giants hammered Gallants 8-1 earlier in the season.
However, one of the key players for Pirates, Maswanganyi, is a doubt for the game due to an injury concern. The Bafana Bafana international sustained a muscle injury during Bucs’ previous intense battle against Cape Town City FC at Orlando Stadium last Saturday. He had to be stretchered off the field.
While Maswanganyi’s recent performances may have been perceived as below par for a player of his calibre, the 26-year-old remains a vital cog of Pirates’ squad, having made 28 appearances across all competitions, contributing five goals and three assists.
PATRICK MASWANGANYI INJURY DOUBT FOR PIRATES
Pirates have confirmed that Maswanganyi is a ‘slight injury’ concern. In addition, the club will be without head coach Jose Riveiro, who is serving a one-match suspension due to a booking received in the CT City. But Kabelo Dlamini is available for selection after serving his own suspension.
“The Buccaneers will be one man short in the technical department, with head coach Jose Riveiro unable to take his usual spot in the dugout. The Spaniard has been suspended for one match after earning a booking during the victory over City,” said Pirates.
“There has been a boost amid the playing personnel, however, with Kabelo Dlamini up for selection after serving his yellow-card ban. Fellow midfielder Patrick Maswanganyi is meanwhile a slight injury worry after he was stretchered off early in the second half on Saturday.”
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