The familiar sight of Jose Riveiro kneeling in his technical area as a way of observing proceedings on the pitch will not be on display on Saturday when Orlando Pirates face Marumo Gallants.
With Riveiro sitting on three yellow cards for a lengthy period, it became a matter of when, not if, he would get his fourth caution, even for a coach who speaks in measured tones and generally conducts himself with the aura and professionalism expected of an elite-level tactician.
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That moment came last weekend against Cape Town City when the Spaniard received a yellow on the recommendation of fourth official Akhona Makalima, although it is not clear what exactly led to the punishment.
Soccer Laduma revealed that, as per insiders, the 49-year-old may have been cautioned for asking about the time added on at the end of regulation time.
All that this means is that Riveiro will miss the fixture against Gallants at the Free State Stadium, with assistant Mandla Ncikazi set to assume the hot-seat.
However, the technological advances that have become a part of football nowadays mean Pirates will not feel the absence of their mentor much, as constant communication via devices between a suspended coach seated in the stands and the one on the bench is a normal occurrence.
Notably, Polokwane City head coach Phuti Mohafe fielded a phone call during an MTN8 match against Mamelodi Sundowns earlier this season, a scene that set tongues wagging.
Interestingly, the topflight returnees will also be having a new man barking instructions from the bench after Dan Malesela was recently let go owing to unsatisfactory results. Abdeslam Duaddou has been brought in as new head coach but has been awaiting his work permit.
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In case that is not issued in time for the match, then Sundra Govinder and Duncan Lechesa, who served as Malesela's assistants, will remain in charge on an interim basis.