Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro has explained the absence of several key players during Saturday's clash against Richards Bay, including Thembinkosi Lorch and Kermit Erasmus.
Pirates were held to a goalless draw by 10-man Richards Bay on Saturday night at the Orlando Stadium.
READ | Riveiro cites lack of precision as Bucs held by Richards Bay
As the home side struggled to find the back of the net, the absence of some of the club's regular starters including Richard Ofori, Vincent Pule, Thabang Monare and new signing Kermit Erasmus raised even more question marks.
"Well Richard [Ofori] is suspended, accumulation yellow cards and [Kermit] Erasmus had a very small problem in the Sekhukhune game in Polokwane, so he was not available for today's game," explained Riveiro.
As the Buccaneers recorded 15 shots at goal without finding the back of the net, Thembinkosi Lorch was another was notable absentee, the midfielder has often been the creative spark in the Pirates attacking line.
Riveiro admitted that the 29-year-old was missed.
"He hasn't been available in the last one and a half-month I think, since the SuperSport game and I hope he's going to make it soon. We spoke about what happened in that game already."