News reaching the Siya Crew is that Orlando Pirates captain Lucky Lekgwathi is not with the team ahead of their CAF Champions League semi-final clash with Esperance as he has been given emergency leave.
Lekgwathi has been granted leave due to family reasons, with his father currently being ill and his aunt having passed away last week.
The centre-back has been in the media in recent weeks due to his exclusion from some of Pirates' crucial encounters this season - including the MTN8 final last weekend, where they Sea Robbers lost on penalties.
Pirates now face arguably their biggest game of the season on Saturday when they hosts Tunisian giants Esperance as they look to edge closer to a place in the final of the continental tournament.
Lekgwathi, though, will not be a part of the squad for the clash as he tends to his personal matters.
Soccer-Laduma would like to wish Lekgwathi and his family strength in these trying times and hope for a speedy recovery.
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