Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has made four changes to face Chippa United in the Betway Premiership at the Orlando Stadium at 19:30.
Following the 1-0 win over Richards Bay in the Carling Knockout semifinals, Nkosikhona Ndaba, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Deano Van Rooyen and Oswin Appollis have made way for Deon Hotto, Lebone Seema, Thabiso Lebitso and Relebohile Mofokeng.
Olisah Ndah and Makhehlene Makhaula have made the bench.
BETWAY PREMIERSHIP: ORLANDO PIRATES HOST CHIPPA UNITED
The two-week international pause seemingly arrived at the wrong moment for the Buccaneers, who had just started to play like the most exciting side in South Africa.
On the other hand, Chippa United are dealing with problems they didn’t see coming this early in the campaign, and the log table reflects it brutally. The Chilli Boys are rooted to the bottom with only seven points from 12 fixtures, their only victory being a 2–1 win against Orbit College.
Their recent run has been rough: three losses, three draws, and almost nothing to show for their efforts away from home. Chippa have managed just one point on their travels, scoring three times and letting in six across five away matches.
Orlando Pirates, meanwhile, remain in a strong position. Sitting three points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns with two matches in hand, the hosts have put together seven wins, a draw and only two defeats. Abdeslam Ouaddou’s men are unbeaten in eight games, including seven consecutive victories, netting 14 goals and conceding just five in their 10 league appearances.
STARTING LINE-UPS
Orlando Pirates: Sipho Chaine, Lebone Seema, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Deano Van Rooyen, Deon Hotto, Thalente Mbatha, Sipho Mbule, Masindi Nemtajela, Relebohile Mofokeng, Tshepang Moremi, Yanela Mbuthuma.
Substitutes: Melusi Buthelezi, Olisah Ndah, Deano Van Rooyen, Patrick Maswanganyi, Kabelo Dlamini, Evidence Makgopa, Nkosikhona Ndaba, Oswin Appollis, Makhehlene Makhaula.
Chippa United: Dumisani Msibi, Sergio Kammies, Nathan Fasika, Harold Majabaidbou, Gadinkame Modise, Abdoulaye Mariko, Sammi Seabi, Azola Matrose, Xolani Sithole, Justice Figareido, Eva Nga.
Substitutes: Elson Sithole, Khaya Mfecane, Banele Hlophe, Somila Ntsundwana, Boy Madingwana, Seun Ndlovu, Asanele Bonani, Rugzaigh Gamildien, Magugwana.