Orlando Pirates have confirmed the loss of red-hot star Gabadinho Mhango due to discipline issues amid his sensational run of form.
Pirates are set to be without their top goal scorer this season when they open their Nedbank Cup account against Bidvest Wits this weekend.
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Mhango will play no part against his former employers after picking up his fourth yellow card in his last six matches against Chippa United on Saturday, handing a blow to The Buccaneers' hopes of going on to finally put an end to their six-year trophy drought.
The Malawian international has been a sensation for Josef Zinnbauer's side since the German's arrival back in December, having netted 10 goals in his last seven games.
He is the current favourite for the Absa Premiership golden boot with a total of 14 goals to his name, leading his closest rival Bongi Ntuli of AmaZulu by three goals despite playing three less matches this season.
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With Mhango having scored 88 percent of the club's 16 goals in the last seven matches, the hefty expectations could now fall upon the shoulders of Tshegofatso Mabasa.
Mabasa, who has six goals in 14 games for Bucs this season, lost his place and has not started a game since early November last year, while managing just 13 minutes under Zinnbauer.
Meanwhile, The Clever Boys will be eager to bounce back from their disastrous CAF run that saw them fail to win a single game in their maiden group stage appearance in the Confederation Cup, which they have since been eliminated from.
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