Orlando Pirates striker Augustine Mulenga was a surprise exclusion from the side that was booted out of the Nedbank Cup Round of 32 by Black Leopards at the Thohoyandou Stadium at the weekend.
Although coach Micho Sredojevic did not initially reveal his injury list prior to the game during his pre-match press conference days before, the Siya crew has learnt that the Zambian forward needed rest to recover from a foot injury.
Mulenga had started and finished the Buccaneers' 1-1 draw at home against Baroka FC in the Absa Premiership earlier in the week but picked up an injury, which subsequently ruled him out of the trip to Venda for the cup tie.
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Pirates were beaten 5-4 on penalties by Leopards after the two sides were locked in a 1-1 stalemate during open play.
Mulenga, whose foot had persistent swelling, should be available when the Soweto giants host Esperance on Saturday night at Orlando Stadium in their CAF Champions League group stage clash.
