Orlando Pirates confirm the absence of three players as they prepare to tackle Siwelele FC in the Premier Soccer League

On Wednesday, MTN8 champions will be away in Bloemfontein to play Siwelele FC in the South African top-tier assignment.

This is a massive game for the Buccaneers, who are 10 points behind leaders Sekhukhune United, having played two games less.

Bucs have managed three victories from five outings, which keeps them eighth on the table.

The Soweto giants have confirmed they will have to play without the services of three players, two of whom have been out for quite some time.

"[Pirates recently welcomed club skipper Nkosinathi Sibisi back from injury and await the return of Deano van Rooyen, while Selaelo Rasebotja and Thabiso Sesane are also recovering from injuries that have kept them out of action during the early stages of the campaign," the Soweto giants confirmed on Tuesday morning.

Van Rooyen and Thabiso Sesane, when fit, commanded a starting berth at the club. However, their injuries mean they will have to battle the likes of Thabiso Lebitso and Nkosinathi Sibisi, respectively, for a regular spot.

But Rasebotja had not fully cemented his place in the team owing to the stiff competition in midfield.

Siwelele, on paper, look like an easy team, having won once, drawn, and lost the remaining five games in the process. 

It means they are desperate for maximum points, and playing at home gives them a slight advantage over the Sea Robbers.