Orlando Pirates are sweating on the fitness of key players as they prepare to play CS Sfaxien in the CAF Confederation Cup on Saturday.
The absence of several key players on Tuesday proved a factor as the Buccaneers were eliminated from the MTN8 by Ajax Cape Town at Orlando Stadium.
Not that stand-in coach Tebogo Moloi was prepared to blame the absence of the likes of Kermit Erasmus, Happy Jele and Thabo Matlaba for the 1-0 loss.
"Pirates is a big club with a squad of many players who are all capable. We play each and every competition to win," he said.
But Moloi also said they hoped to have a full squad available by the time they take to the field at the same venue on Saturday night against the Tunisians in their fourth group game.
If they win, it almost certainly guarantees Bucs a semifinal place with two group matches to spare. "We need everybody for that game because Sfaxien will come out with all guns blazing," warned Moloi, who deputised on the bench for Eric Tinkler, who was suspended due to a sending-off in the final game last season.
Jele is certain to be fit after being rested on Tuesday.
Bucs hope to have all players against Sfaxien
Orlando Pirates are sweating on the fitness of key players as they prepare to play CS Sfaxien in the CAF Confederation Cup on Saturday.
The absence of several key players on Tuesday proved a factor as the Buccaneers were eliminated from the MTN8 by Ajax Cape Town at Orlando Stadium.
Not that stand-in coach Tebogo Moloi was prepared to blame the absence of the likes of Kermit Erasmus, Happy Jele and Thabo Matlaba for the 1-0 loss.
"Pirates is a big club with a squad of many players who are all capable. We play each and every competition to win," he said.
But Moloi also said they hoped to have a full squad available by the time they take to the field at the same venue on Saturday night against the Tunisians in their fourth group game.
If they win, it almost certainly guarantees Bucs a semifinal place with two group matches to spare. "We need everybody for that game because Sfaxien will come out with all guns blazing," warned Moloi, who deputised on the bench for Eric Tinkler, who was suspended due to a sending-off in the final game last season.
Jele is certain to be fit after being rested on Tuesday.