Orlando Pirates defender Thabiso Monyane has wished his fellow defender Thabiso Lebitso a speedy recovery so they can have him back on the pitch after he suffered a collarbone injury against Royal AM at Harry Gwala Stadium on Sunday.

Lebitso, who joined Pirates from Chippa United, collided with Thabo Mahlaba early in the first half and had to be substituted, with Monyane taking his place.

The former Chippa right back has been in good form for Pirates since his arrival, scoring a brilliant strike in the Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium early last month.

He has been preferred by coach Jose Riveiro, with 10 appearances in all competitions, and it is highly unlikely that he will feature against his former club Chippa in the Nedbank Cup semifinal at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday.

“It was an unfortunate incident,” said Monyane.

“But I wish him a speedy recovery and I want him to be back because there’s a healthy competition there (at the right back position). But I know it’s a tough competition happening there and I’m looking forward to the fight because he has earned the right to play, and he has been doing well. So, I need to step up when given the chance and do my best.”

Pirates, on top of Monyane, can still count on Bandile Shandu, who is currently out injured.

It means Monyane is set to start when they visit Cape Town City at DHL Stadium on Wednesday (15:00).

Pirates, third in the table, are in a huge battle for the last spot to qualify for the CAF Champions League next season. Stellenbosch FC currently holds the second place, three points ahead of Pirates after 25 matches played. Steve Barker’s side are unbeaten in 24 matches in all competitions and impressively, did the double over Pirates this season. Monyane said the focus is only on themselves.

“We are not looking at them, but we are focusing on ourselves,” said Monyane.

“We are taking one game at a time, and today we are playing Cape Town City and we are looking forward to that.”

Eric Tinkler’s City might not have won the league match in 2024, but they have not lost to Pirates at home since their existence in 2016.