Orlando Pirates have been handed somewhat of a boost ahead of Soweto derby encounter with Moroka Swallows.
The Buccaneers are set to visit neighbours The Dube Birds at Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto on Wednesday evening.
Jose Riveiro’s troops will be desperate to get back to winning ways after a shock 2-1 defeat to in-form Sekhukhune United, handing Pirates their first taste of defeat since December 2023.
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However, what may turn out to be a crucial boost for Pirates will be the absence of Swallows' Gabadinho Mhango.
The Malawian striker is suspended for the encounter due to an accumulation of yellow cards. This will come as a major setback to head coach Musa Nyatama, with Mhango having scored Swallows’ winning goal in a 1-0 victory over Cape Town Spurs last weekend.
Mhango is one of the side’s key players, having already made 20 appearances this season and found the back of the net on four occasions.
Nyatama will also be without striker Tshegofatso Mabasa, who started the season in Swallows colours on loan from Pirates and was the club’s top scorer before being recalled from his parent club.
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Worryingly for Nyatama, Mabasa has rarely missed a step since trading the Maroon of Swallows for the Black of Pirates, scoring five goals across all competitions for the latter since returning from his loan spell.
The 27-year-old was on the mark in Pirates’ last outing against Babina Noko. The scenario arguably sets up the Sea Robbers as the favourites for Wednesday's encounter.
The Dube Birds will also still be without rising star Owethu Khumalo, who is out of action due to injury.
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