Orlando Pirates has confirmed that captain Thabo Matlaba has been ruled out for the Buccaneers Absa Premiership clash against Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday.

The 30-year-old has managed to score one goal and assisted one in 17 appearances in all competitions so far this season for Pirates.

The club released the following statement on their official website: ‘Orlando Pirates Technical Team have been dealt a blow ahead of their Absa Premiership clash against Mamelodi Sundowns, with captain Thabo Matlaba being ruled out of the encounter.’

‘Matlaba will be serving a one match suspension after collecting his fourth booking in the Buccaneers’ 3-1 win against Baroka FC.

‘With Matlaba out of the reckoning for this weekend’s crucial league encounter against the Brazilians, head coach Micho Sredojevic will have to plug the void left by the absence of his hard running 30-year-old captain. Fortunately, the Serbian-born mentor can bank on the wealth of talent at his disposal to find a suitable replacement.’

Orlando Pirates will take on Mamelodi Sundowns in their mouth-watering Absa Premiership clash which takes place at Loftus Versveld Stadium on Saturday, with kick-off scheduled for 15:30.