The Sea Robbers are gearing up for a crucial league match against Cape Town City at DHL Stadium this Wednesday. 

Currently sitting third on the PSL standings, Pirates are eyeing a spot in the Caf Champions League, trailing second-placed Stellenbosch by just three points. However, they're facing a somewhat tough task as key players, pivotal to their recent successes, are sidelined. 

With their absence, questions arise about who will fill the void and lead the team to victory against the Citizens on their home ground. 

GOAL delves into the impact of these missing players and explores potential replacements who could step up to the challenge.

Monyane’s lifeline

It's really tough luck for Thabiso Lebitso to be sidelined with an injury requiring surgery, after he was taken off in their 4-0 league win over Royal AM. He's been on fire for Pirates ever since his unexpected switch from Chippa United in January. Since his arrival, he's been steadily building his reputation and has been crucial for Riveiro, not just in defence but also in creating chances and finding the back of the net himself.

With Lebitso out of action, it's now up to his namesake, Thabiso Monyane, to step up. The 24-year-old has been working hard to regain his form after getting injured in November 2023 during the Soweto Derby's 1-0 victory over Kaizer Chiefs.

Since then, Monyane has been battling not only to recover his match fitness but also to compete with Lebitso, who became Riveiro's top choice after joining the Buccaneers. While it's a setback for Lebitso, this is a chance for Monyane to show what he's made of once more.

No Tito, no problem?

The Sea Robbers have hit another snag with their top performer, Patrick Maswanganyi, facing suspension. It all started with a rather foolish yellow card for time-wasting during a substitution against Thwihli Thwahla. Now, he's set to miss a crucial match, one that could secure maximum points in the team's bid for a possible Caf Champions League spot.

With 'Tito's,' as he is affectionately called, out of action for the Cape Town trip, Riveiro isn't short on options, though, for the attacking midfield position. He's got Karim Kimvuidi and Kabelo Dlamini who could step in. 

Nonetheless, there's no denying that Maswanganyi's flair and creativity will be missed in this encounter.

Plenty of depth

Adding to the sidelined squad alongside Lebitso and Maswanganyi is Makhehlene Makhaula, who faces a situation akin to Tito's after receiving his fourth yellow card, also during the Royal AM match. 

But, as always, Pirates have a knack for handling such setbacks, given their surplus of midfield talent, and this season is no different. 

Phillip Ndlondlo and Thalente Mbatha are more than ready to step into the central midfield role, while Miguel Timm remains solid in the defensive midfield position.

Regulars ready to shine

Even with those key players sidelined and options available, it’s important to highlight that a majority of the first-team regulars are ready for action - Tshegofatso Mabasa, Relebohile Mofokeng and Monnapule Saleng, among others, are all in contention. 

And, their presence could prove troublesome for Cape Town City's defence, adding depth and potency to the Buccaneers’ attack.

Eyes on the prize!

As the league hits this critical juncture in the season, setbacks like injuries and suspensions are inevitable. But this is where the real grit of a team shines through. When key players are missing, can the rest of the squad step up and deliver?

That's the question Riveiro and his team will face come Wednesday evening. Yet, they'll have the perfect fuel to drive them forward: the desire to secure that coveted Caf Champions League spot. And what better motivation could there be?

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