The Buccaneers need a scoring draw or a win to progress to the decider, but will have to do so without their inspirational captain.

KickOff.com's source at Pirates reveals: “Lucky is not part of the squad because he hasn’t been active after last playing against Al Ahly, and also because he was given a few days off for compassionate leave following the death of his aunt, so he didn’t train.

“Instead, Roger [de Sa] wants to use him next week Wednesday against Golden Arrows [in the Telkom Knockout Cup] and the Derby against Kaizer Chiefs.”

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It leaves Pirates well short at the back, with Siyabonga Sangweni having recently torn his Achilles and Patrick Phungwayo out with a similar injury.

That means the fairly inexperienced Ayanda Gcaba is set to start alongside Rooi Mahamutsa, with Happy Jele set to wear the captain’s armband.