Soweto giants Orlando Pirates have another chance to get closer to Betway Premiership leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, but without a key player.
JOSE RIVEIRO TO REPLACE MAKHEHLENI MAKHAULA
With the Sea Robbers set to visit Golden Arrows at the Mpumalanga Stadium on Wednesday evening at 19:30, the Premier Soccer League has confirmed that Orlando Pirates’ midfield cog, Makhaula, earned a fourth yellow card against Baroka FC in the Nedbank Cup last 16 game last Saturday. This means that the Randfontein-born player will serve suspension against Abafana Bes’thende.
Jose Riveiro is expected to look at the likes of Selaelo Raseboja and Ndabayithethwa Ndlondo as possible replacements. Or perhaps a surprise return for Miguel Timm?
NEW ROLE FOR ORLANDO PIRATES
Staying with Makhaula, Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro recently confirmed changes to the 35-year-old player’s game.
Many of us have known the 35-year-old Makhaula as a sitting defensive midfielder, until he started to roam in attacking positions to score goal in the recent 2-1 win over Sekhukhune United, not forgetting his goal for the Sea Robbers in the Nedbank Cup final last season.
“Makhaula is more defensive, Kabelo is more offensive, but in this team, we defend as a team,” said Jose Riveiro via FARPost. “When we have the ball, we attack as a team. As you have seen recently Makhaula’s evolution, he is offensive when we are on the ball. He has been impressive for us.
“We played with two players with experience. Dlamini’s numbers in the league are top in every aspect. It means a lot to us,” concluded the Orlando Pirates tactician.
CAN MAKHAULA CONTINUE PERFORMING BEYOND THE AGE OF 35 TOWARDS 40?
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