Orlando Pirates suffer blow ahead of Maritzburg tie

Orlando Pirates have suffered a huge blow ahead of their DStv Premiership clash against Maritzburg United on Sunday.

Pirates will be without the service of one of their key players Goodman Mosele who was shown a red card during the MTN8 quarter-final encounter against Royal AM on Saturday.

Mosele has been instrumental for Pirates, which saw him feature in all the opening six games in the league.

The 22-year-old central midfielder joined the Soweto giants at the beginning of last season with a big pedigree after being named PSL Young Player of the Season for the 2019/20 campaign.

In his first season with the Houghton-based side, the Bafana Bafana international has made 19 appearances in the league, scoring three goals from deep-lying midfield and contributing one assist.

The Happy People have been playing a mouth-watering brand of football under the new coach Jose Riveiro who was appointed in the off-season.

Despite failing to score more than one goal per match, Pirates are sitting top of the table with 11 points.

Pirates have played six games, won three, drew twice and lost in just one outing.

The 2021 CAF Confederation Cup finalists return to the league with their tails high to face The Team of Choice after eliminating Thwihi Thwahla in the MTN8 quarter-finals.