Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro confirmed Kermit Erasmus was left out of the squad due to injury while providing updates on Thembinkosi Lorch and Evidence Makgopa.
Erasmus earned two cameo appearances for Pirates against Mamelodi Sundowns and Sekhukhune United since his shock deadline day return to the club after terminating his contract with Masadawana.
While he’s yet to open his account in his second stint, he was a notable omission from the goal-shy Buccaneers, who’ve scored just six league goals in ten games so far this season.
The Spaniard confirmed it was precautionary after taking a knockout against Babina Noko while the confusion over goalkeeper Richard Ofori was also clarified.
“No, well Richard is suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards and Erasmus had a very small problem in the Sekukhune game against Polokwane so he was not available, that’s the reason why they were not on the list,” Riveiro said.
Lorch and Makgopa have also been missing from the Pirates attack, with the latter yet to make his official debut for the club. Both are in training at present and it’s only a matter of time before they return to the squad.
“Well he hasn’t been available for the last one and half months after the SuperSport game and I hope he’s going to make it soon, we spoke about what happened in that game already,” he explained.
“Evidence is now training with the group for the last week, so he’s close, getting rhythm [and] training with the group.”
The Soweto giants face Golden Arrows next in the league before their second leg MTN8 semi-final against reigning champions Sundowns on 22 October.
