Happy Jele suspension leaves Pirates facing centre-back crisis

Cape Town - Orlando Pirates have an injury crisis in the centre-back position ahead of the Soweto Derby clash with Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday.

Club captain and defensive general Happy Jele was sent off after receiving 2-0 yellow cards in the 0-0 draw with Maritzburg United on Tuesday evening.

Many feel Pirates missed out on a huge opportunity when they did not manage to capture the signature of Bafana Bafana captain Thulani Hlatshwayo in the transfer window to solidify their rearguard.

And the Buccaneers will be coming up against the newly-coined 'CBN' comprising of Leonardo Castro, Khama Billiat and Samir Nurkovic, who have formed a formidable attacking trio in recent weeks.

Jele is so crucial to the Sea Robbers' cause as the skipper of the side and the one who marshals the defence. Beleaguered Buccaneers coach Rulani Mokwena will now likely turn to Alfred Ndengane and Ntsikelelo Nyauza to form the centre-back pairing.

Impressive youngster Thabiso Monyane returns from suspension and will likely start at right-back. Of concern to Mokwena will be the fact that his side have conceded the sixth-most goals in the league this season.

- TeamTalk Media