Orlando Pirates will have to do without the services of defender Olisa Ndah for this afternoon’s DStv Premiership clash against Sekhukhune United.
Babina Noko will welcome the Buccaneers at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium with the kick-off scheduled for 17:00.
The Nigerian international is ruled out of today’s encounter due to an accumulation of yellow cards.
According to the Soweto giants, Tapelo Xoki is most likely to start in his place.
Ndah has been very instrumental for the Sea Robbers’ backline, having played nine games across all competitions for Pirates this campaign.
Meanwhile, the duo of Thabiso Monyane and Vincent Pule will be gunning for a spot in Jose Riveiro’s starting eleven following their return from injury. The pair came on from the bench in the club’s previous game against Mamelodi Sundowns.
On the other hand, Sekhukhune will be without defender Tresor Yamba-Yamba, who is currently on suspension after being red-carded in their 1-1 draw with Stellenbosch last month.
The Limpopo club will welcome midfielder Pogiso Mahlangu who was serving a ban, whereas Sammy Seabi is in doubt after sustaining an injury during their training session before their Stellies tie.
As things stand, the Happy People are placed second in the log standings with 14 points, while Sekhukhune are languishing at the bottom of the table [15th place] with seven points.
Both teams have each played eight games so far.
MATCH FACTS
Pirates are yet to lose against Kaitano Tembo’s side, whom they have only met twice in the South African football top-flight and the visitors will be gunning to maintain their 100% record against Babina Noko.
Linda Mntambo, who now plays for Sekhukhune and Kabelo Dlamini were on the scoresheet when Bucs came back from behind to win their first meeting last season at Orlando Stadium.
The last time the two teams met, the Soweto giants got the better of Sekhukhune with a 1-0 scoreline, thanks to Fortune Makaringe’s late strike.
FULL LIST OF SUSPENDED PLAYERS
AmaZulu FC
Gabadinho Mhango
Johan Abselon
Keagan Buchanan
Veluyeke Zulu
Cape Town City
Nathan Fasika
Kaizer Chiefs
Lehlogonolo Matlou
Marumo Gallants
Olivier Toure
Orlando Pirates
Olisa Ndah
Sekhukhune United
Tshibwabwa Yamba- Yamba
