The three players were rested as a precaution in Pirates’ 4-1 win over Chippa United in the Absa Premiership last night after picking up knocks.
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“Patrick Phungwayo got tramped on the knee and had fluid. He is fine but I preferred to rest him for the Chippa game to keep him for the AC Leopards match,” Tinkler said.
“Jomo Rakhale had a groin strain and that was a precaution for us not to risk him against Chippa. But he should be available again.
“Menzi Masuku was tramped on his ankle and he had quite a bit of pain and again it was the reason we didn't utilise him against Chippa.
“Thabo Matlaba needs to get a little bit of match practice under his belt. He hasn’t reached that stage as yet, but he should be there in the next week. We could see Thabo back in the next couple of weeks, which is a positive for us.”
Defender Ntsikelelo Nyauza, who was named Absa Man of the Match against Chippa, hobbled off late in the game but Tinkler confirmed that it was just a knock and he will also be available against Leopards.
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Pirates need only a point to confirm their semi-final spot in the Confederation Cup when they host Leopards at Orlando Stadium, and Tinkle says they go to that game with momentum.
“It's a massive game for us where we want to collect all three points. We also stand a chance of winning the group, we only need a point to ensure that we get into the semis.
“It is an important game for us. I had hoped we would have already qualified, unfortunately Zamalek didn't do us a favour there.”