Sekhukhune United’s Tshepo Mashiloane ruled out of Orlando Pirates semi-final

Sekhukhune United right-back Tshepo Mashiloane will miss both legs of the MTN8 semi-final against Orlando Pirates because of a clause in his loan agreement with the Buccaneers.

Mashiloane is in his second season on loan at Sekhukhune United, also known as Babina Noko, but the terms of his contract with Orlando Pirates prevent him from facing his parent club.

The 29-year-old will therefore be forced to watch from the stands when the two sides meet in the last four of the competition. Sekhukhune United will host the opening match at Old Peter Mokoka Stadium on Saturday before travelling to Orlando Stadium for the return fixture.

Sekhukhune United coach Cedric Kaze confirmed the defender’s absence as his side prepare for a difficult tie against the club that owns Mashiloane’s registration.

The Limpopo-based team reached the semi-finals after eliminating AmaZulu in the quarter-finals. Their reward is a two-legged contest against Orlando Pirates, with a place in the MTN8 final at stake.

Mashiloane’s unavailability leaves Kaze without one of the players who has been part of the club’s squad during his second loan spell. The contractual restriction means he cannot feature in either the home or away match, regardless of the selection decisions made by the Sekhukhune coaching staff.

Kaze also provided an update on another player who will not be available for the first-leg encounter. New Namibian striker Bethuel Muzeu is still waiting to secure a work permit before he can play for Sekhukhune United.

Muzeu joined Babina Noko after leaving Black Leopards at the end of last season. Until the necessary documentation is completed, the forward remains unable to take part in competitive action for his new club.

Despite those absences, Kaze has attacking options to call upon. Bright Ndlovu and Lehlohonolo Mojela are among the players capable of posing a threat in the final third as Sekhukhune seek to build an advantage at home.

The first leg at Old Peter Mokoka Stadium will be followed by the decisive second meeting at Orlando Stadium. Mashiloane will be unavailable throughout the tie, while Muzeu’s involvement depends on when his work permit is approved.

Sekhukhune United’s progress to the semi-finals after their victory over AmaZulu has set up one of the competition’s standout ties, but Kaze must plan without a defender contracted to Orlando Pirates and a newly signed striker who is still awaiting clearance to play.