Betway Premiership defending champions Orlando Pirates have confirmed that Thalente Mbatha, Evidence Makgopa, Sihle Nduli and Mohau Nkota are unavailable ahead of their match against Durban City FC.
The Buccaneers are set to face Durban City at the Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto on Thursday evening. They also come into the match sitting in position two, seven points behind current leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.
However, Pirates have three games in hand and will be looking to close the gap at the top. They return to domestic football after back-to-back CAF Champions League matches against La Cure Waves from Mauritius.
TWO MORE PLAYERS DOUBTFUL FOR PIRATES AHEAD OF LEAGUE TIE
Despite the absence of the four players, Pirates have also confirmed that Gamphani Lungu and Andre de Jong are set to undergo a late fitness test ahead of the Durban City match at 19:30.
“The defending Betway Premiership champions host Durban City at the Amstel Arena this evening as they look to keep pace with early pacesetters Mamelodi Sundowns, who have collected 20 points from their opening eight matches,” the club said in a statement.
LOANEE MOHAU NKOTA AMONG PLAYERS NOT AVAILABLE FOR ORLANDO PIRATES
Pirates fans will also have to wait a bit longer to watch winger Mohau Nkota, who recently returned to the club on a loan deal from Al-Ettifaq.
“Thalente Mbatha, Evidence Makgopa, Sihle Nduli and Mohau Nkota remain unavailable for selection as they continue their recovery from their respective injuries. Meanwhile, Gamphani Lungu and Andre de Jong will undergo late fitness tests to determine their availability for the match,” the club added.
Abdeslam Ouaddou and his charges will be coming to the match full of confidence, having scored 12 goals in their four games, conceding only one. A win will also reduce the point lead to just four points.
Their rivals Sundowns will not be involved in domestic action as they will face Al Ahli SC of Saudi Arabia in a FIFA Intercontinental Cup match at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Saturday.
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