Soweto derby: Pirates face TRIPLE suspension risk for Chiefs clash

Orlando Pirates return to action on Friday when they host Maritzburg United at Orlando Stadium but they will have to be careful with their team selection.

ALSO READ | MAMELODI SUNDOWNS: DOES LOFTMAN’S ARRIVAL PAVES THE WAY FOR MNGQITHI’S EXIT?

Kick-off is at 19:30.

This encounter will be Jose Riveiro‘s first out in the stands after he was shown a red card against All Stars FC in the Nedbank Cup.

ALSO READ | NEDBANK CUP: ALL THE TEAMS THAT WILL BE IN THE LAST 16 DRAW

This means Riveiro will NOT be on the Pirates bench against the Team of Choice and AGAIN when they host Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto derby on 25 February.

In his absence, Mandla Ncikazi will be expected to bark instructions on the sidelines alongside Sergio Almenara in both games – Maritzburg United and Chiefs.

ALSO READ | NEDBANK CUP: WHEN IS THE LAST 16 DRAW?

But Riveiro may not be the only member of the Pirates team that watches the Soweto derby from the stands due to suspension…

TWO KEY PIRATES STARS COULD JOIN RIVEIRO IN THE STANDS AGAINST CHIEFS

Now, Deon Hotto and Nkosinathi Sibisi are the two Pirates players who will be walking the suspension tight-rope if they are to face Maritzburg United on Friday.

ALSO READ: SUNDOWNS BOLSTER TECHNICAL TEAM WITH EX-PIRATES MAN

The duo are currently sitting on three yellow cards each, and one more yellow card for them will see them miss the Soweto derby against Chiefs.

Both Hotto and Sibisi have featured heavily for Pirates this season, with Riveiro showing great faith in them since he took over.

ALSO READ | FORMER KAIZER CHIEFS MIDFIELDER FINDS A NEW HOME – REPORT

And perhaps the Spaniard, who has the full control of picking the starting XI against Maritzburg United despite the red card, may decide to leave both Hotto and Sibisi out.

READ ALL FOOTBALL RELATED STORIES HERE…