The Amakhosi will enter their ABSA Cup last sixteen game against City Pillars at the FNB Stadium on Saturday evening without the services of midfielder David Mathebula and defender Derrick Spencer. The pair have been given time off by the club's management after suffering bereavements in their families. Mathebula lost his mother late on Wednesday and immediately travelled to the Limpopo Province to begin preparations for the burial.

Derrick Spencer in the meantime travelled to his family home in Durban following the loss of his uncle also sometime on Wednesday. Spencer shared a close relationship with his late uncle. Team manager Bobby Motaung sent the club's condolences to the players and their families, and commented, “We have given the players time off to deal with these matters and will allow them to come to terms with their losses”.

After breaking the news to the rest of the team at the end of Thursday morning’s practise session, Motaung further said “once we have more information regarding the burial process we will make arrangements to send representation to the various functions”.

Coach Ernst Middendorp also extended his condolences to the players and their families saying “at this time I would like to wish David and Derrick all the best in dealing with their losses, we have allowed them time off to come to terms with the loss of their family members”. It is unclear at this stage when the pair will return to training. Funeral details will be published once they are communicated to the club.