Orlando Pirates could be dealt a huge blow ahead of their upcoming Soweto Derby fixture against Kaizer Chiefs, with the Buccaneers set to be without their head coach Jose Riveiro in their next match. The Spanish mentor was sent off during Pirates’ Nedbank Cup Last 32 match against All Stars last weekend, reportedly due to alleged use of unacceptable language towards the match officials. As confirmed by the PSL, Riveiro will be suspended for the team’s upcoming fixture against Maritzburg United on Friday.
Furthermore, Bucs could be without some of their key players for the eagerly-awaited Chiefs clash next Saturday. Both Deon Hotto and Nkosinathi Sibisi are currently walking the suspension tightrope, as they are both on three yellow cards each. Should they play and pick up another caution in the Maritzburg fixture, the duo will be suspended for the Soweto Derby.
Both players have played an integral part in Pirates’ improving DStv Premiership campaign, as well as the team’s successful MTN8 run, which ended with a trophy earlier in the season. Meanwhile, Pirates will have the team’s captain Innocent Maela available for selection for the Maritzburg fixture after he served his one-match suspension last weekend.
