Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates have been hit by setbacks for their crucial midweek encounters in the Betway Premiership.
Chiefs are set to welcome Magesi FC at FNB Stadium on Tuesday night, looking to bounce back from their 1-0 defeat against Mamelodi Sundowns. Lucas Ribeiro Costa scored the important goal to take all three points from Chiefs.
The Glamour Boys are winless in their last two league matches after losing 4-1 to SuperSport United before going down to Sundowns this past weekend. Chiefs last won a Premiership match on the 7th of February 2025 after beating Stellenbosch FC at Athlone Stadium.
Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates also suffered a 2-0 defeat against Marumo Gallants at Free State Stadium on Saturday. The loss to Gallants dented Pirates’ chances of winning the league as they are now 18 points behind log-leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.
Pirates have been tipped as hot favourites to challenge Sundowns and stop them from winning their eighth successive league title. Pirates have collected 36 points while Sundowns are comfortably sitting at the top of the log with 54 points.
WHO ARE THE PLAYERS MISSING FOR CHIEFS AND PIRATES?
The Ghosts will face Chippa United at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Wednesday while Chiefs will lock horns with Magesi FC. The two Soweto giants will be without key players who are suspended.
Chiefs will be without key midfielders Gaston Sirino and Thabo Cele for their upcoming match. Both players are serving a one-match suspension after accumulating their fourth yellow card of the season. Cele joined Chiefs from Russian club FC Fakel Voronezh during the January 2025 transfer window.”
The central midfielder, Cele, has quickly turned himself into a fan-favourite after featuring in six matches in all competitions. Chiefs have Samkelo Zwane, Njabulo Blom and Yusuf Maart as options in the middle of the park.
In another big blow, Pirates will be without the services of goalkeeper Sipho Chaine, who also received his fourth yellow card of the campaign.
The Bafana Bafana goalie has been solid for the Pirates in defence after keeping 14 clean sheets in 31 matches in all competitions. Pirates coach Jose Riveiro is likely to play Melusi Buthelezi between the sticks in the absence of Chaine.
Other players who will miss midweek matches are Daniel Msendami, Richard Ofori, Riaan Hanamub, Andre De Jong, Thabo Moloisane, Khulumani Ndamane and Victor Letsoalo. SuperSport United coach Gavin Hunt has also been suspended.
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