Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has shown faith in the young central midfielder Camren Dansin against Magesi FC in the Carling Knockout quarterfinals, kicking off at 19:00 eSgodini.
The Sea Robbers are looking to bounce back after a deflating defeat to Saint-Eloi Lupopo to exit the CAF Champions League before the group stages.
CARLING KNOCKOUT QUARTER FINALS: ORLANDO PIRATES VS MAGESI FC
The Buccaneers fell to Lupopo despite Ouaddou’s men dominating the second leg with a 3-0 victory, but their hopes ended in a heartbreaking penalty shootout. The clash wasn’t short of drama either, as Lupopo’s Dieumerci Mukoko Amale left Soweto fans fuming with his unbelievable theatrics.
Tonight’s battle is a repeat of last season’s fixture, after Magesi shocked Orlando Pirates in a last-16 round clash at the Orlando Stadium. The newly promoted side won 3-2 before going on to lift the title with a 2-1 win over Mamelodi Sundowns in the final at the Free State Stadium.
This evening, coach Ouaddou, who has replaced Jose Riveiro, has made three changes from the game against Lupopo. Dansin is in for Sihle Nduli as the holding midfield, Yanela Mbuthuma starts ahead of Sipho Mbule, while Nkosikhona Ndaba replaces Deon Hotto at left-back.
Dansin, who joined Orlando Pirates at reserve team level in the DStv Diski Challenge, is a product of the revered School of Excellence academy. The Johannesburg-born youngster is not new to first-team football, after making his debut under former coach Riveiro late last season, the former DDC captain has made four substitute appearances this season in the league, CAF Champions League and the MTN8.
FULL STARTING LINE-UP:
Chaine, Seema, Mbokazi, Lebitso, Ndaba, Dansin, Nemtajela, Maswanganyi, Appollis, Moremi, Mbuthuma
Substitutes: Buthelezi, Sebelebele, Mbule, Van Rooyen, Dlamini, Makgopa, Mbatha, Hotto, Sibisi.
Magesi: Yet to be confirmed.
Meanwhile, Golden Arrows and Richards Bay FC have already marched in the semifinals after seeing off TS Galaxy and Durban City FC, respectively. In the last quarter-final battle in Bloemfontein on Wednesday, Marumo Gallants, who stunned both Mamelodi Sundowns in the last 16, will welcome Stellenbosch FC, who dumped out Kaizer Chiefs.