Orlando Pirates have potentially suffered a setback with the loss to injury of a vital member of the squad ahead of the blockbuster encounter against runaway log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns this Saturday.
The Buccaneers registered a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Sekhukhune United at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday.
However, that victory may have come at a cost for the side's defence, as key centre-back Thabiso Sesane had to be replaced by Tapelo Xoki after just 18 minutes due to what looked to be a serious injury.
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Sesane has started every single one of the side's 29 matches so far this term and has been instrumental in a defence that has bee near-impenetrable, conceding just six league goals thus far.
He was spotted in crutches at full-time after the Sekhukhune match, as the fresh injury almost certainly rules him out of the upcoming clash against Sundowns.
"Obviously, it's not frequent that you have to change one of your centre-backs in the first stages of the game," Riveiro told journalists in the post-match press conference.
"It was difficult for Tapelo as well to come off the bench in an unexpected way, to activate himself. I think he did a good job.
"It was not an easy situation for Thabiso because it didn't look good at that moment, let's see how bad it is.
"But I think the team managed to continue with the game plan and not change so many things. That's one of the strengths of this team.
"It matters, but it doesn't matter who is playing, the team is used to finding a way to play good football," added the Spaniard.
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Get well soon, Pepe ?? pic.twitter.com/T8dKQiO3Fd
— Eggs Benedict Ngwenya (@EggsBenedictZA) February 6, 2025
On a positive note, alongside Xoki, Pirates have also welcomed back Nigerian centre-back Olisa Ndah, meaning they will not be short of options come Saturday.
The match at Loftus Versfeld Stadium kicks off at 15:30.