Orlando Pirates midfielder Masindi Nemtajela will miss the Betway Premiership match against Sekhukhune United.
The two teams will meet in the second-round opener on Saturday, 24 January, at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
With both teams firmly in the top four, this clash carries huge weight as the league title challenge intensifies and three vital points are up for grabs.
Babina Noko claimed a narrow 1–0 victory in the first round, marking their opening league match of the season at Orlando Stadium in Soweto.
As the Buccaneers are looking to turn things around against Sekhukhune, they will have to do it without Nemtajela who will be serving his one-match suspension.
The 24-year-old has accumulated four yellow cards – three in the Betway Premiership and one in the Carling Knockout Cup final.
Nemtajela has been crucial for the Sea Robbers, racking up 14 appearances in all competitions, having joined the club at the beginning of the season.