Orlando Pirates are back in action on Friday evening, travelling to the uMhlathuze Sports Complex where they face Richards Bay in a Betway Premiership clash kicking off at 19:30.
Richards Bay starting line up: Otieno, 5. Sikhakhane, 22. Mabuya, 25. Mcineka, 37. Zulu, 45. Nashixwa, 20. Mthembu, 36. Zikhali, 17. Gumede, 30. Barns, 14. Mahala
Substitutes: 16. Magoola, 8. Zuke, 33. Ngema, 53. Simelane, 6. Mthethwa, 31. Mbambo, 77. Khumalo, 19. Nzama, 9. Bomelo
Orlando Pirates starting line up: Chaine, Sebelebele, Sibisi, Seema, Hotto, Nemtajela, Mbatha, Moremi, Mofokeng, Appollis, Mbuthuma
Substitutes: Buthelezi, Chabatsane, Makhaula, Ndaba, Maswanganyi, Mbule, van Rooyen, Makgopa, De Jong
It’s another important night for the Buccaneers as they continue their push at the top end of the table. After that dominant 5-0 win over Golden Arrows earlier this week, the focus now shifts to maintaining that momentum away from home.
There are no major injury boosts in the squad, but a few changes are expected as the technical team looks to keep things fresh after a demanding run of fixtures.
ORLANDO PIRATES HAVE HAD THE EDGE THIS SEASON
This will be the third meeting between the two sides this season, and so far it’s been all Orlando Pirates.
The first clash came in the Carling Knockout semi-final in November, where Pirates edged it 1-0 in a tight contest played at the uMhlathuze venue. It was a disciplined performance that got them over the line in a game of few chances.
The second meeting arrived in March in the Betway Premiership, and this time Pirates were more convincing. Playing at home, they secured a 2-0 win, with Oswin Appollis opening the scoring in the first half before Evidence Makgopa sealed it late from the penalty spot.
Coming into this one, Pirates will feel confident with two wins from two, while Richards Bay will be looking to finally change that story.
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DIFFERENT SETTING, SAME MINDSET FOR PIRATES
Unlike previous visits where matches were played at the bigger Moses Mabhida Stadium, this time Pirates will have to adjust to the more compact and less familiar surroundings of uMhlathuze.
Assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi admitted it’s not a venue they are used to, but made it clear it won’t change their approach.
“It’s an unfamiliar territory, I don’t think we’ve ever played a game there,” Ncikazi told Orlando Pirates TV.
“But that is not important, whatever field, as long as there’s a piece of land, we are prepared to go there and give it our best shot.
“Preparations, recovery and analysis – go to uMhlathuze get three points, that’s our responsibility and mandate. Nothing less!”
ORLANDO PIRATES FANS, DO YOU EXPECT ANOTHER WIN TONIGHT?
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