Ngobese is set to be out of action for almost four weeks due to a knee injury.
The former Golden Arrows and Bloemfontein Celtic midfielder tells snl24.com/kickoff that he was looking forward to the game against the Bucs on Wednesday next week, but has been let down by his knee injury.
“I started to feel some pain in my knee a few weeks ago and ignored it until I aggravated the injury during our friendly game against Free State Stars recently.
“I visited the physio again this morning and he ruled me out of action for the next four weeks.
“I was looking forward to playing against Pirates and wanted to do well for Birds’ supporters, however, I have confidence that my teammates will do well despite my absence.
“Our preparations for the second round have gone very well and we have only lost one friendly game, against Free State Stars recently.”
Moroka Swallows also still have Tebogo Monyai and Cecil Oerson on the injury list.