Xoki who received his fourth booking of the season during Pirates' 4-1 win over Swallows FC last week Friday has been suspended by the PSL.

The former AmaZulu player has been instrumental at the back for the Buccaneers since arriving last year, bringing stability and balance in a back three structure that Pirates have started to develop this season.

His defensive abilities and great communication skills has seen him right at the heart of Pirates' defence along Nkosinathi Sibisi, who also joined the Buccaneers last year from Golden Arrows.

Since arriving from AmaZulu, Xoki has featured in 17 DSTV Premiership matches for Orlando Pirates, providing a single assist in the process.

The 27 year old was part of the MTN 8 winning team when the Buccaneers defeated AmaZulu 1-0 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on the 5th of November 2022.

Although Xoki is ruled out for Saturday's clash, Jose Riviero will be glad to welcome back another defender in the person of Nkosinathi Sibisi who makes a timely return from injury.

Sibisi has been out of action since the 28th of January during Pirates' 2-0 victory against Marumo Gallants at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium.

Sibisi's return also comes at a crucial time for his international duty with Bafana Bafana after being one of the four Orlando Pirates players that were selected by coach Hugo Broos in Bafana Bafana's preliminary 35 man squad.

The 27 year old is joined by teammates Innocent Maela, Miguel Timm and Zakhele Lepasa who is currently on loan at SuperSport United with Broos yet to trim the squad to 23 players.

Meanwhile Olisa Ndah is also available for the clash on Saturday while captain Innocent Maela is also still out after receiving a red card in the Soweto Derby a fortnight ago.

Kick-off at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday night is at 20:00.