ORLANDO Pirates coach Roger de Sa has raised some concerns about the absence of Sifiso Myeni and Siyabonga Sangweni for tonight’s league fixture against Chippa United.

But De Sa’s spirits should be lifted by the possible return of Benni McCarthy and Thulasizwe Mbuyane from injury.

De Sa should feel further relief that both Myeni and Sangweni, who are both serving suspensions, will be available for the Soweto derby against Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday.

The Buccaneers visit Chippa at Athlone Stadium and kickoff is at 7.30pm.

Although many among the Bucs fans probably view the Chippa match as nothing but a hors d’oeuvre before the main course on Saturday, De Sa knows how victory would raise confidence levels ahead of the derby.

“We’ll definitely miss Myeni and Sangweni. They’ve been key players to us so far this season,” De Sa was quoted as saying on the club’s website.

“Myeni has been playing extremely well and as a coach you always need your key players for every game.

“But we’ve had such situations before and I trust those available will step up.”

Adding to De Sa’s concerns is the possible absence of Takesure Chinyama, the Zimbabwean striker who injured his ankle last week.

Bucs have won five and drawn one of their past six matches and, on their current form, are unlikely to lose that impressive record to lowly Chippa, who have been battling to find their feet in the top flight.

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