Marumo Gallants are set to face Orlando Pirates without the services of one of their key midfielders in the Betway Premiership on Tuesday.
The Bloemfontein-based side will host Pirates at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in their second match of the new 2025/26 league season. Gallants are high in confidence, having opened the campaign with a 2-1 victory over Richards Bay FC this past weekend.
In the off-season, Gallants made changes in their coaching department with the appointment of Alexandre Lafitte as the head coach.
The 28-year-old mentor arrived at Bahlabane Ba Ntwa to replace Abdeslam Ouaddou following his exit at the end of last season.
Interestingly, Ouaddou took over the hot seat at Pirates, and he’s going to face his former employers in a match that the Soweto giants will be desperate for maximum points.
The Buccaneers had an unwanted start to the new season after suffering a 1-0 defeat against Sekhukhune United at Orlando Stadium in the league.
With Gallants aiming to hand Pirates a second successive loss in the new season, they’ll be without their captain, Edgar Manaka.
MANAKA RECEIVED A RED CARD AGAINST RICHARDS BAY
The experienced midfield workhorse will serve a two-match suspension after receiving a red card in the match against the Natal Rich Boys.
In the previous campaign, Manaka amassed 30 appearances across all competitions, netted four goals, and chipped in with two assists.
Losing the 36-year-old’s experience in the middle of the park will be a significant blow for Gallants, especially as they aim for a second consecutive win in the league.
Meanwhile, in the midweek matches, Stellenbosch FC will also be without Siviwe Nkwali, after the defender got a red card in their 2-0 defeat against Kaizer Chiefs on Sunday in the Premiership. The talented wing-back joined Stellies in the current transfer window on a free transfer from Cape Town Spurs.
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