Orlando Pirates have been forced into yet another crucial defensive adjustment at a pivotal stage of the season.
The Buccaneers secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Chippa United in their Betway Premiership encounter at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Wednesday night, but the win came at a cost.
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Influential defender and captain Nkosinathi Sibisi received his eighth yellow card of the season, triggering an automatic suspension.
Sibisi, who had entered the match with three yellow cards (adding to the four from earlier in the season) as per the PSL's suspension list which was issued on Monday, will now miss Pirates' upcoming Nedbank Cup quarter-final clash against SuperSport United on Saturday.
The experienced defender had already served a suspension in January during the Nedbank Cup Last 32 match against Richards Bay for accumulating his first set of four yellow cards. His latest booking means the Buccaneers will have to reshuffle their defence once again at a crucial juncture.
Despite the setback, Sibisi played a crucial role in Pirates' victory over Chippa, scoring the decisive goal with a well-placed header from a Relebohile Mofokeng set piece.
His contribution helped keep Pirates in the title race, especially after log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns dropped points against Golden Arrows.
This defensive dilemma is not new to Pirates, as they were also without first-choice goalkeeper Sipho Chaine against Chippa due to suspension.
Melusi Buthelezi stepped in and delivered a solid performance, keeping a clean sheet in the process.
With Sibisi now sidelined, Tapelo Xoki is expected to return to the starting line-up, while young defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi could also be in contention after making his senior debut against Chippa.
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Additionally, Pirates are monitoring Nigerian defender Olisa Ndah, who has recently returned to full training following a lengthy injury layoff.
With the squad depth being severely tested, Pirates will need to dig deep to maintain their momentum as they chase silverware on multiple fronts.
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