Pirates likely to miss trio for Maritzburg clash

Orlando Pirates will be without a number of key players for Tuesday’s Absa Premiership clash with Maritzburg United at the Orlando Stadium, including star forward Thembinkosi Lorch.

Lorch picked up a yellow card suspension in the Telkom Knockout quarterfinal defeat at the hands of Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday and misses out on the game against the Team of Choice.

Also missing will be full-back Mthokozisi Dube, who got a red card against Chiefs for a second bookable offence.

Also potentially missing is midfielder Linda Mntambo, who was injured in the 1-0 league win over Highlands Park last week and failed to recover in time to face Chiefs.

He is in another race against time and could well be held back if he is 50-50, with another Soweto Derby against Chiefs looming in the league on Saturday.

Pirates are seeking to move into fourth with a win, which would leave them seven points behind leaders Chiefs, though they will have played a game more.