Orlando Pirates will look to maintain their winning momentum despite the absence of head coach Jose Riveiro on the bench in their upcoming fixture.
The Buccaneers secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Cape Town City at Orlando Stadium on Saturday, pushing their points tally to 36.
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However, they remain 12 points behind league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who cruised to a 4-1 victory over TS Galaxy on the same day.
Next up, Pirates travel to Bloemfontein for a clash against struggling Marumo Gallants on Saturday.
Gallants have been in turmoil, recently parting ways with coach Dan Malesela following a string of disappointing results.
The team's disappointing league run could provide Pirates with an opportunity to capitalise on their instability and secure another crucial win.
A major talking point heading into the fixture is Riveiro's absence from the touchline after he was given his fourth yellow card of the season against City, effectively ruling him out for the next match.
This will be the first time in over 100 matches since his arrival in 2022 that the Spanish coach will not be directing his team from the bench.
The tactician's influence has been vital in Pirates' tactical approach, and it remains to be seen how the team will adapt in his absence.
Meanwhile, Riveiro was involved in what appeared to be a heated exchange with fourth official Akhona Makalima during the Citizens match, and insiders have revealed what that was about.
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"The coach wasn't too pleased about the time added in the closing stages of the match. He may have been asking about that, and it wasn't too much of a confrontation really, but one of those moments where in tough matches it can be like that," said the source.
Pirates fans will be eager to see how their team fares without their influential coach as they push to close the gap on Sundowns.
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