Richards Bay coach Brandon Truter is hopeful that attacking midfielder Siyethemba Sithebe will be available for their upcoming match against Orlando Pirates at King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday (15:00).

Sithebe has missed the last two matches for the Natal Rich Boyz—a loss to Chippa United this past weekend and a goalless draw against Royal AM on Tuesday.

The former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder, who joined the club during the off-season, sustained what appeared to be a groin injury in the team’s opening match of the season against TS Galaxy on 15 September.

“Sithebe’s absence was precautionary,” explained Truter following the draw against Royal AM. “We decided to rest him, so he didn’t travel with us to Chippa or for Tuesday’s match. The medical team advised us not to risk him on Tuesday if we wanted him to be available for the Pirates game.”

“We will assess his condition on Wednesday morning or afternoon and make a decision on Thursday or Friday,” Truter added.

Somila Ntsundwana is also a doubt due to a recurring knee injury. He started the match against Royal AM with a bandage but was eventually replaced.

Richards Bay will face a Pirates side that has been on a winning streak since the start of the season. The Soweto Giants have reached the MTN8 final, qualified for the CAF Champions League group stages, and defeated Polokwane City 3-0 in their league match at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday.

Truter is well aware of the challenge ahead. “It’s what you are willing to give, sacrifice, and hoping to get something from a Pirates that is very offensively minded, good quality in the team, well-coached by a good coach,” said Truter. 

“They are up there, one of the better teams in the league. So, it is going to be a good test for us.”