Orlando Pirates have received a warm welcome in KwaZulu-Natal, though feel for the victims of the Durban floods as they prepare to play against Maritzburg United.
The Buccaneers are in KwaZulu-Natal for tonight's Absa Premiership match scheduled to be played at the Harry Gwala Stadium in Pietermaritzburg, at 19h30.
Read: Pirates' Big Blow, Two Stars Ruled Out
Following a severe storm in the province that started on Monday, causing havoc, the official death toll on Wednesday morning was confirmed at 51.
"We arrived yesterday (Tuesday) to a warm welcome from our supporters. Obviously, the weather has been a bit of a concern in terms of what has been happening. We have been saddened by the news we got regarding the victims that were affected by the atrocious weather conditions," Pirates' media officer Thandi Merafe told the Siya crew.
Meanwhile, Bucs have confirmed that winger Kudakwashe Mahachi and goalkeeper Jackson Mabokgwane have been ruled out of the match, owing to respective injuries. The Soweto giants are hoping to have their match tonight taking place as planned.
"Coming into preparing for the game, I think the bad weather conditions have subsided a bit. Although it's still partly cloudy, there are patches of sunlight that are flashing through. That's a positive sign," added Merafe.
Read: Flying SA Flag High, Another Honour For Referee Gomes
"We heard the news yesterday that the N3, which is the main route going to Pietermaritzburg, has been opened. Everything looks like we are okay for tonight and we hope that the weather clears up because it's an important fixture and we would love to play tonight and not to have a postponement or anything of that sort," she concluded.
