Orlando Pirates have a Betway Premiership assignment to focus on after that shocking 3-0 defeat to Saint-Eloi Lupopo in the CAF Champions League.
The Buccaneers aim to regain confidence when they welcome Polokwane City to Orlando Stadium tonight at 19:30.
BETWAY PREMIERSHIP: ORLANDO PIRATES VS POLOKWANE CITY
The visitors, Rise and Shine, are sitting ninth on the table with four wins, three draws, and two defeats from nine matches. They’ve scored seven goals and conceded five, signs of a disciplined but cautious side.
The two teams have already crossed paths this season, with Bucs winning 2-0 in the MTN8 quarterfinals thanks to goals from Oswin Appollis and Patrick Maswanganyi at the same venue. That result will give the Soweto giants a psychological edge heading into this one.
Polokwane could serve as an ideal preparation. Rise and Shine are expected to defend deep from the first whistle, mirroring the same stubborn low block that will come on Saturday against Lupopo.
Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou will likely approach the game as a mini-rehearsal, refining his attacking shape and selecting his best shooters from long range.
EXPECTED CHANGES
Ouaddou is tipped to make two changes to his starting XI. Lebone Seema is expected to come in for Nkosinathi Sibisi to add recovery pace at the back, while Thalente Mbatha could be handed a start to boost creativity and long-range threat in midfield.
That would see a three-man engine room of Thalente Mbatha, Abdoulaye Mariko, and Mbule, all capable of testing the keeper from distance.
At the tip of the attack, a box striker like Tshegogatso Mabasa should replace Evidence Makgopa.
Sipho Chaine; Thabiso Lebitso, Lebone Seema, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Deon Hotto; Thalente Mbatha, Abdoulaye Mariko, Sipho Mbule; Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Tshegofatso Mabaso.
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