Orlando Pirates have big decisions to make before their clash with Kaizer Chiefs. Coach Riveiro must grapple with a suspension.
Orlando Pirates falter again
Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates’ league title challenge looks to be in tatters after their 0-1 home defeat to Sekhukhune. It leaves them 12 points adrift of leaders Sundowns, albeit with two games in hand. Key defender Nkosinathi Sibisi will miss the clash with Chiefs after his red card against Babina Noko. It’s been a bad week for the Sea Robbers, who also tumbled out of the Caf Champions League at the semi-final stage.
Predicted Orlando Pirates XI vs Kaizer Chiefs
Chaine; Van Rooyen, Xoki, Mbokazi, Hotto; Makhaula, Mbatha; Nkota, Maswanganyi, Mofokeng; Mabasa.
We could see Patrick Maswanganyi back in the side, allowing manager Riveiro to revert to a back four. Tapelo Xoki should deputise for the suspended Sibisi. Elsewhere, Tshegofatso Mabasa is often the first-choice attacker in domestic league outings.
Derby Details
These sworn Soweto Derby rivals meet in the Betway Premiership on Saturday, 03 May at 15:00. They meet again the following Saturday, 10 May in the Nedbank Cup final. That match also kicks off at 15:00. It’s crunch time!
Latest Amakhosi transfer rumours
Three new Orlando Pirates faces spotted in training
Simphiwe Selepe, Cemran Dansin and 17-year-old Sibusiso Tau are all in training with the senior Sea Robbers squad. Dansin captains the Bucs’ reserve side. Teenager Tau recently arrived from Emalahleni United in Mpumalanga. It’s unlikely any of the three will feature from the start against Kaizer Chiefs. However, it’ll be a huge boost for the players.
Can Jose Riveiro rally his troops for this massive clash with Chiefs?
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