Orlando Pirates to be without THREE key players for Sundowns clash

Orlando Pirates will be without at least three key players when they take on Mamelodi Sundowns this weekend in the MTN8 semi-final.

The Buccaneers host Masandawana in the first leg of the semi-final at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The two giants met in the final of the 2023 MTN8 and the Sea Robbers won the match on penalties.

On Saturday, Orlando Pirates will have to beat Sundowns without the likes of Nkosinathi Sibisi and Makhehleni Makhaula. The club head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou confirmed that three experienced players will not involved in Saturday’s anticipated clash.

“Most of the players are available, we only have [Nkosinathi] Sibisi, [Makhehleni] Makhaula, who is still coming back from his injury,” he said as per iDiski Times.

“We still have [Olisa] Ndah out but most of the players are still available.”

Can Orlando Pirates beat Sundowns?

The Buccaneers have started the season on a backfoot following back-to-back league defeats. Their form in the MTN8 has been impressive having won the competition four times in the past five years.

Against Downs, they should have an advantage given the fact that they are playing the first leg at home. Their opponents appear to found their groove with their mid-week win and will look to claim another victory at the Orlando Stadium.

Orlando Pirates desperately need to beat Sundowns to get their season on track. A draw will be a decent result given their form but defeat could put more pressure on Ouaddou.