Orlando Pirates to face Arrows without two key players.

When the Orlando Pirates face the Lamontville Golden Arrows this weekend, two important players—Nkosinathi Sibisi and Evidence Makgopa—will be absent.

The game, which is a part of the DStv Premiership, will take place on Saturday night at Orlando Stadium.

Proof Makgopa suffered an injury against Polokwane City in March, which has kept him out of play. Since then, Tshegofatso Mabasa has stepped up to lead the Sea Robbers. Mabasa rejoined Pirates following a loan period.

Mabasa has been playing well; in just seven games in various competitions this season, he has scored four goals, bringing his season total to ten goals.

The supporters of Orlando Pirates will be hopeful that he can carry on his excellent performance against Arrows.

After receiving a red card in the match against Swallows, Nkosinathi Sibisi, who transferred from Golden Arrows to Pirates, would be unable to play against his former side. Sibisi is a vital defender and a consistent starter for the Pirates, therefore his loss will be felt greatly by the squad.

On Saturday, the Orlando Pirates will try to defeat Arrows in back-to-back league doubleheaders.

In the 37 league games played since 2004, the Buccaneers have won 20 of them and lost only six, giving them the advantage in the majority of their meetings with the Arrows. The KwaZulu-Natal team has struggled to defeat the Pirates; their most recent victory against the Soweto Giants came more than three years ago when they scored two goals in quick succession at home.

To increase their chances of placing in the top two league spots and earning a spot in the Caf Champions League, Orlando Pirates need to win. With just two games left in the season, the Buccaneers sit in third place, four points behind second-place AmaZulu. This makes the game critical for the Buccaneers. They may go one step closer to their objective of being in the top two and earning a spot in the elite Caf Champions League with a victory over Arrows.