Orlando Pirates might play Nedbank Cup semi-final without Relebohile Mofokeng, Patrick Maswanganyi & Thalente Mbatha

Orlando Pirates are scheduled to play Marumo Gallants in the Nedbank Cup semi-final at the Orlando Stadium.

The Sea Robbers are aiming at successfully defending their crown and making it three wins in a row.

Bucs will come into the match as favourites owing to their quality and history in Cup competitions.

Prior to the game against Bahlabane Ba Ntwa, the Sea Robbers have a Premier Soccer League assignment this weekend against Polokwane City.

They will then host MC Alger on Wednesday in the second leg of the Caf Champions League quarter-final game outing at the Orlando Stadium.

All those are important games that Coach Jose Riveiro's men need to win as they continue what has been arguably one of their best seasons in recent years.

Ahead of the game against Rise and Shine, Pirates have three players who are at risk of suspension.

Patrick Maswanganyi - who has missed a couple of games owing to an injury, Thalente Mbatha and Relebohile Mofokeng, who are on three yellow cards.

It means another caution this weekend will lock them out of the Nedbank Cup game against Gallants, meaning coach Riveiro needs to caution them before the game.

Riveiro confirmed he will leave Pirates at the end of the ongoing campaign.

He is still in the race for three more trophies - after winning the MTN8, and will need to be tactical to help the Buccaneers achieve their targets.