Johannesburg - Pirates midfielder Isaac Chansa is out of Saturday's Carling Black Label Cup against perennial rivals Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium.
Physiotherapist John Williams confirmed the news on Wednesday after the Buccaneers had undergone a light training session at Johannesburg Stadium.
Williams said Chansa, a pivotal influence in Pirates' treble title success last season, could be out of soccer for two months as a result of a serious ankle injury incurred in Pirates' Vodacom Challenge game against Tottenham Hotspur in Nelspruit last week.
Pirates' fans would have to think again about the team to face Amakhosi, as most of them had included the Zambian international in their line-ups for an innovative event in which the two clubs' supporters were choosing the respective sides.
New Pirates sensation Oupa Manyisa, 23, revealed a significant change in the team's approach under recently appointed Brazilian coach Cesar Leal.
"The new coach is emphasising that we have the ability to control the ball and we must use the ability to be more confident, while retaining possession as much as possible," Manyisa said.
"I think this has already been evident in our opening pre-season games."
Pirates captain Lucky Lekgwathi confirmed the positive mood in the camp, but added it was equally important "not to be over-confident" because they won three titles last season.
Leal said Saturday's game against Chiefs would be crucial in their pre-season build-up.
"Every game against Chiefs is important - even one with a pre-season label - because they are our great rivals," Leal said.
"I'm also interested to see what team the fans come up with while I sit back."