If Marumo Gallants are out to spoil any plans of a Soweto Derby Nedbank Cup final, they may have to do it without the man who helped down Orlando Pirates the last time the two sides met.
Gallants face the unenviable task of attempting to get the better of Pirates in a cup semi-final at Orlando, as the two teams meet in the Nedbank Cup next Sunday, 13 April (15:00).
Under the mentorship of the now outgoing Jose Riveiro, the Soweto giants have been serial cup winners, collecting five within the last two-and-a-half seasons.
READ: Lawyer explains PSL resolution PSL on Royal AM membership
For many teams, beating Bucs at their fortress has been akin to selling ice to an Eskimo.
However, before all of that, there is the small matter of Betway Premiership fixtures this weekend, with Siwelele Sa Marumo playing host to SuperSport United at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium on Saturday.
Alarmingly, up to seven of their players are sitting on three yellow cards, and are at risk of missing the Pirates clash should they be cautioned in their next game. These are Edgar Manaka, Gabadinho Mhango, Sibusiso Sikhosana, Siyabonga Nhlapo, Siyabulela Shai, Thapelo Dhludhlu, and Washington Arubi.
Mhango, in particular, would rue a missed chance to run out in front of a big crowd yet again against his former side, against whom he netted the opener in a 2-0 for Gallants on 1 March.
Being the type of aggressive striker the Malawian is, who never shies away from getting stuck into tackles and being on the faces of opposition defenders, head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou may be forced into a cautious approach.
READ | OFFICIAL: History and double delight at Magesi!
Gallants currently occupy 12th place on the standings with 25 points after 23 games and, in the case of prioritizing top-flight survival over cup success, may well put out their best line-up this weekend without worrying about their cup final prospects.