Orlando Pirates assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi has issued a major update on the availability of Monnapule Saleng and Olisa Ndah ahead of the MTN8 final against Stellenbosch FC.
The Soweto giants are out to make history and become the first team to win the MTN8 title on three consecutive occasions.
READ | Pirates star Sesane headlines latest Bafana squad
In their path is a Stellies side as equally ambitions and with history to make of their own as they look to secure their first-ever success in this competition.
For Jose Riveiro's men, the quest has been somewhat complicated by injuries to key duo Saleng and Ndah, who have been crucial up to this season so far this term.
Saleng has contributed an impressive four goals and one assist in his nine appearances from all competitions, while Ndah played every single match before his injury against Polokwane City, helped the side keep seven clean sheets.
Worryingly for the Ghost, however, is that both were not spotted among the full squad that trained during the club's media open day on Tuesday, as they were understood to have been undergoing physiotherapy.
READ | Insider: Chiefs rising star to play bigger role
Speaking to media at the pre-match press conference on Thursday, Ncikazi admitted that Saleng and Ndah had not trained as of Thursday morning but could still go through a late fitness test and feature in the massive encounter.
"Unfortunately, I don't have a full report," Ncikazi said.
"They have not trained for some days, but they are still in the medical room to pass a late fitness test, so currently I am not sure because I left [for Durban], there was training in the morning, so I did not see training. I don't have a medical report.
"But I am praying that at least we are in full strength to play such a difficult side. But if that doesn't happen, I still think we still have a very capable team in their absence to be able to win, hence the team has got so many players to handle this situation in their absence.'
The fixture will be played at a sold-out Moses Mabhida Stadium, with kick-off at 18:00.