Cape Town City to miss key duo ahead of Orlando Pirates showdown

Cape Town City are in Soweto for a showdown with Orlando Pirates on Saturday afternoon, but will have to do without two key players.

The Citizens are in search for only their second win of the season, and take their pursuit to Orlando Stadium, where they returned with a point on their last visit.

Long-term injuries hit Cape Town City players

They go into the match without former Buccaneers utility player Abbubaker Mobara, who joins striker Tashreeq Morris on the sidelines.

Assistant coach Vasili Manousakis confirmed the long-term injuries suffered by the two players.

“It’s confirmed! Tassie [Morris] has a long-term injury, and Mobara’s now joined him for the next six weeks,” Manousakis told the media.

“He’s a very versatile player, who can fill in for us at centre-back and play in the midfield, so we’ve just been hit by this bad luck now – it’s almost one after the next.

“But we stay positive, it’s always tough playing against Orlando Pirates who play with tremendous intensity and speed, so we’ll have to be a little smart tactically.“We’re now saying to the experienced boys, ‘It’s time to step up now’ – the Makolas, the Mkhizes, the Mokekes.”

Vasili Manousakis

Citizens bank on insider knowledge

Apart from Mobara, Cape Town City have a couple of players who will have some knowledge of the ins and outs of their opponents.

Striker Kermit Erasmus had a spell at Orlando Pirates, along with Mpho Makola and Reeyad Norodien.

Another ex-Buccaneer, whose intel could prove vital in coach Benni McCarthy.

Manousakis said they are hoping the insider knowledge could give them a bit of an edge on Saturday.

“We’ve got some ex-Pirates players in the mix, like Makola and Norodien, which also makes things a little more interesting. It’s some people that know the camp and the setup, and hopefully that also helps us through a little bit.”

Vasili Manousakis

City are currently enduring a five match winless streak, having last registered victory against Stellenbosch FC back in August.

They come up against a side reeling from defeat after losing 4-3 to Bidvest Wits in Durban.

The last two encounters between the two sides both ended with a 2-2 scoreline.

The match on Saturday kicks off at 15:30.