Defending champions Orlando Pirates will be without assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi and winger Tshepang Moremi for tonight’s Betway Premiership clash against Sekhukhune United at the Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto.
The Buccaneers return to domestic league action aiming for maximum points, but their technical bench and playing squad will look slightly different.
Moremi failed a late fitness test prior to the Sekhukhune fixture. The midfielder is still recovering from an injury picked up during Pirates’ 1-1 draw against AmaZulu FC.
Furthermore, forward Andre de Jong remains sidelined as he continues his rehabilitation programme.
ORLANDO PIRATES’ OFFICIAL STATEMENT ON TSHEPANG MOREMI AND ANDRE DE JONG ABSENCES
“The Buccaneers will be without Tshepang Moremi, who did not pass a late fitness test ahead of the encounter,” reads the club’s statement released on Tuesday afternoon.
“Andre de Jong also remains unavailable for selection as he continues his recovery from injury.”
MANDLA NCIKAZI GRANTED LEAVE FOR MEDICAL ATTENTION
On the technical team front, assistant coach Ncikazi will not be on the bench for tonight’s showdown. The tactician underwent emergency knee surgery for an injury he sustained during the pre-season and has experienced persistent discomfort in recent weeks.
In light of this, the club has granted Ncikazi permission to travel to KwaZulu-Natal to seek specialised medical attention and rest.
“The Club has granted him a short period away from his duties to return to KwaZulu-Natal, where he will receive further medical attention and focus on his recovery,” the club confirmed.
The Sea Robbers will look to navigate tonight’s match and maintain their momentum despite the key absentees.
Kick-off is set for 19:30 in what marks the second meeting between Pirates and Babina Noko in a matter of days, following their MTN8 semi-final first leg over the weekend. The two sides are set to complete a trilogy when they clash again in the return leg at the same venue this coming weekend.
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