Orlando Pirates could be without FIVE key players for Durban City game

Orlando Pirates could be without atleast five key players for the Durban City match at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Thursday evening.

The Buccaneers return to league action following two weeks of CAF Champions League football where they reached the second preliminary round

The defending Betway Premiership champions host Durban City as they look to keep pace with early pacesetters Mamelodi Sundowns, who have collected 20 points from their opening eight matches.

Pirates are second on the table with 13 points from five matches and have an opportunity to close the gap on the Tshwane-based side.

Orlando Pirates players missing for the Durban City game

Thalente Mbatha, Evidence Makgopa, Sihle Nduli and Mohau Nkota remain unavailable for selection as they continue their recovery from their respective injuries.

Gamphani Lungu and Andre de Jong will undergo late fitness tests to determine their availability for the match.

Despite the injury concerns, the Buccaneers have enough depth to overcome the Durban-based side. The last time the two teams met was in the MTN8 quarter-final in August, where the Sea Robbers claimed a 2-1 victory.

Before that, Durban City held Orlando Pirates 0-0 in the league match in May.

Lungu, who suffered an injury a few weeks ago, could return to action which will be a big boost for the Buccaneers. He is by far one of the best signings of the season. He has netted four times already this campaign, which earned him a national callup to the Zambian national team.