Orlando Pirates have a hefty injury list to contend with but two players could return for their Betway Prem clash against SuperSport.
Orlando Pirates walking wounded
Olisa Ndah, Thalente Mbatha, Bandile Shandu, Tapelo Xoki, Goodman Mosele, Zakhele Lepasa, Thabiso Lebitso, Sandile Mthethwa and Ethan Visagie are all currently unavailable to Jose Riveiro. However, midfield duo Makhehlene Makhaula and Miguel Timm could return against Gavin Hunt’s SuperSport side after they missed the team’s shock Carling Knockout defeat to Magesi.
“A return to the match day squad could also be on the cards for the likes of Makhehlene Makhaula and Miguel Timm, who both sat out the game against Magesi,” read the club’s statement.
Buccaneers are keen to get back on the horse
The surprise loss to Magesi certainly wasn’t in the script for Riveiro’s cup specialists but now their focus switches to the Betway Premiership and upcoming Caf Champions League tests. Pirates still have a perfect record in the league with three wins from three. Matsatsantsa has started indifferently with four points from four outings. Orlando Stadium is the venue for this clash and it kicks off at 19:30 on Tuesday 22 October.
Buccaneers’ next six tests
After a surprise defeat to Magesi in the Carling Knockout, Pirates must dust themselves down and get back to basics in the Betway Premiership. They’ve also got some enticing Caf Champions League clashes on the horizon.
- AmaZulu (H) – 25 October, 19:30 kickoff
- TS Galaxy (A) – 29 October, 19:30 kickoff
- Stellenbosch (H) – 10 November, 15:30 kickoff
- Belouizdad (A) – 26 November, kickoff time TBC
- Gallants (A) – 03 December, 19:30 kickoff
- Al Ahly (H) – 06 December, kickoff time TBC
Bucs to cash in on Mabasa?
Last season’s Golden Boot winner Tshegofatso Mabasa bagged 16 goals in the league. It would initially appear crazy to sell a player of his calibre, but if a massive offer from a wealthy suitor comes in, the Buccaneers board may think it’s the right time to sell the 28-year-old. His current deal expires in June but, according to transfermarkt, there’s a two-year extension option included. The popular website believes Mabasa’s value to be around €1.3 million, approximately R24.9 million. With rumoured interest from across Europe, the club won’t struggle to fetch a fee in this region for the talented marksman.
Will Pirates get back to winning ways against a struggling Matsatsantsa side?
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