Orlando Pirates are sweating over the fitness of defender Tapelo Xoki ahead of the Buccaneers' DStv Premiership clash against Cape Town City on Saturday.
Signed at the start of the season from Durban-based outfit AmaZulu, Xoki has grown to be an ever-present rock at the heart of the Buccaneers' defence, particularly in the absence of Nigeran international Olisah Ndah.
The 28-year-old has played every minute of Pirates' last 15 games up until sustaining an injury in a Nedbank Cup quarter-final clash against Dondol Stars.
Xoki is understood to have resumed individual light training this week but it remains unclear if he will be ready for Pirates' clash against the Citizens on Saturday and if head coach Jose Riveiro is willing to take the gamble of playing him.
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Riveiro's other options at centre-back include Nkosinathi Sibisi, Sandile Mthethwa and Olisa Ndah.
The Sea Robbers go into the fixture on the back of a good run in form with four wins from their last five matches while City are undefeated in their last five but drawn their last three.
Pirates and City will go head-to-head at Orlando Stadium at 15:00.
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