Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro is anxiously watching his key players’ disciplinary records as four of his stars, Tapelo Xoki, Thalente Mbatha, Patrick Maswanganyi, and Relebohile Mofokeng, are on the brink of suspension. 

Each player has accumulated three yellow cards, and a booking in Wednesday’s Betway Premiership match against Sekhukhune United at Orlando Stadium would see them miss the highly anticipated Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs FNB Stadium on Saturday.

The stakes are high for Pirates, who are currently second in the league with 46 points from 20 games, trailing log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who have 55 points from 22 matches. 

A suspension for these key players would be a significant blow to the Buccaneers’ title aspirations. However, if they do get suspended, they will be available for the Nedbank Cup final against Kaizer Chiefs on 10 May at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Meanwhile, Chiefs will be without one of their key forwards, Wandile Duba, against Pirates on Saturday, who received his fourth yellow card in the team’s recent match against Marumo Gallants at FNB Stadium on Sunday. 

This suspension will undoubtedly impact Amakhosi’s attacking prowess in the Soweto Derby.

Pirates’ Thabiso Sesane also has three yellow cards but is currently sidelined with an injury and won’t play until next season. 

The upcoming matches will be crucial for Pirates, and Riveiro will hope that his key players can avoid suspension and stay fit to keep their title hopes alive.

The Soweto Derby is always a fiercely contested match, and this season is shaping up to be no different. With the league title on the line and the Nedbank Cup final looming, both teams will be eager to make an impression. 

Will Pirates’ key players avoid suspension and lead their team to victory, or will Kaizer Chiefs capitalize on their opponents’ potential absences? The stage is set for an intense showdown.