Orlando Pirates confirm three absences for Sekhukhune United rematch

Orlando Pirates will be without Tshepang Moremi, Andre de Jong and assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi for Thursday night’s Betway Premiership meeting with Sekhukhune United at Orlando Amstel Arena.

The announcement comes only three days after the defending league champions defeated Babina Noko 1-0 in the MTN8 semi-finals. Sekhukhune United now have an immediate opportunity to respond, while Orlando Pirates will look to repeat that result and strengthen their position at the top of the standings.

Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side are aiming to open a three-point lead in the league. The match therefore carries significance for both teams, with Orlando Pirates seeking to create further separation on the log and Sekhukhune United determined to gain revenge for their recent cup defeat.

Moremi was ruled out after failing a late fitness assessment before the match. The Bafana Bafana winger is still recovering from the injury he suffered in Orlando Pirates’ 1-1 draw with AmaZulu.

“The Buccaneers will be without Tshepang Moremi, who did not pass a late fitness test ahead of the encounter. The Bafana Bafana winger continues to recover from the injury he sustained during Pirates’ 1-1 draw against AmaZulu.

“Andre de Jong also remains unavailable for selection as he continues his recovery from injury.

“Meanwhile, Assistant Coach Mandla Ncikazi will also be absent from the bench tonight. Having undergone emergency knee surgery during pre-season, Coach Ncikazi has continued to experience discomfort following the procedure.

“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 said on its website.

De Jong remains unavailable as he continues his own recovery from injury. His absence means Orlando Pirates will be without another member of their squad for a fixture that follows closely on from the two sides’ MTN8 semi-final encounter.

Ncikazi will also miss the match from the technical area. He underwent emergency knee surgery during pre-season but has continued to experience discomfort after the procedure. Orlando Pirates have allowed him a short period away from his coaching responsibilities so he can return to KwaZulu-Natal for additional medical attention and concentrate on his recovery.

The meeting at Orlando Amstel Arena is the second contest between the clubs in three days. Orlando Pirates’ 1-0 win in the MTN8 semi-finals gives them the psychological advantage, but Sekhukhune United will enter the Betway Premiership clash seeking a different outcome.

The defending champions’ immediate objective is to extend their advantage in the league standings to three points. For Babina Noko, the priority is to respond quickly after their cup setback and prevent Orlando Pirates from building further momentum.

Readers can also access the iDiski Times Digital Newspaper at no cost. The publication is completely free to download, or readers can complete a form to have it sent to them each week.