Orlando Pirates coach Eric Tinkler does not expect defender Siyabonga Sangweni to return from injury this season.

The former Golden Arrows defender, who last featured for the Buccaneers against Ajax Cape Town in November, has played only seven matches in the league this season and three in knockout competitions

"Siya has a knee ligament injury. I don't think we will see him again for the rest of the season," said Tinkler, as he gave an update on the progress of other players who have been out on the sidelines.

"Rooi Mahamutsa is still out with a hamstring. Happy Jele is doing a bit of field work now and hopefully we will have him back in a week or two. (Thandani) Ntshumayelo is down with flu and he will be back next week. (Thabo) Qalinge should be back for the game against Free State Stars [on Wednesday]."

For a change, Pirates will get to put their feet up a bit while the likes of Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns, Bidvest Wits and Ajax Cape Town carry the country's hopes on their shoulders in the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup.

Having failed to qualify for either continental club competition this year, the 2015 Confederation Cup finalists will be off this weekend.

After their 2-1 defeat to Sundowns in the Absa Premiership on Wednesday, Tinkler's men will next face Ea Lla Koto in midweek.

"We need to bounce back. We have the added advantage that we have more time to prepare and a few days rest," said Tinkler.

"It was not a bad performance (against Sundowns) but I expected more. We want to climb the league table. We need to win our games if we want to achieve our objective of finishing in the top three."