Orlando Pirates have revealed that Luvuyo Memela could miss their crucial Absa Premiership clash against Bidvest Wits through injury.

The 31-year-old suffered a gash to his leg following a clash with Hlompho Kekana, and was forced off the field during Pirates’ goalless draw against Mamelodi Sundowns at the Orlando Stadium on Monday evening.

As a result of the stalemate, the Buccaneers moved up to second place in the league standings with 41 points after 24 games, trailing log leaders Sundowns by three points.

Pirates’ team doctor, Dr Zakes Mathebula, confirmed that Memela will require stitches for the injury, and will be assessed in the course of the week before the club make any decision whether to risk fielding him against the Clever Boys.

‘Luvuyo suffered a deep laceration to the right anterior thigh,’ Dr Mathebula told his club’s official website. ‘The laceration was 4cm by 2.5cm deep, extending to the fascia and was bleeding profusely.’

‘The wound was cleaned and sutured on the inside and the skin closure done with four nylon stitches. Anti-tetanus toxoid vaccine and antibiotics were also given as precaution.’

Orlando Pirates against Bidvest Wits kicks off at 3pm.