Four ruled out for Orlando Pirates Nedbank Cup clash!

Orlando Pirates are set to take on Hungry Lions in the Nedbank Cup last round of 16 this weekend. 

Pirates got to this stage of the competition by beating third tier side, Crystal Lake FC 6-0 in the last round.

They have now been drawn up against a second tier side, with them hosting Hungry Lions at the Orlando Stadium. The defending champions will come into this tie with their tails up, having beaten arch rivals Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto Derby. Pirates emerged on the better side of a five goal thriller, beating their neighbours 3-2 in their home derby.  But that game has come with its casualties according to coach Jose Riveiro. 

Four players ruled out for Pirates

“It [injuries] didn’t change so much. The situation with Evidence Makgopa, Paseka Mako, Bandile Shandu. Now we have the suspension of Thabiso Lebitso, he came to the team with three yellow cards from Chippa, and the fourth was against Kaizer Chiefs, he won’t be part of the game and that’s all in terms of casualties and little injuries.” Said Pirates coach Riveiro at the Nedbank Cup presser as per FARPost. 

Pirates will not have any problems filling those gaps, however, as three of those players didn’t feature in derby. In the case of Lebitso, the Sea Robbers have an able replacement in Thabiso Monyane available. Skipper Innocent Maela could be tasked with a return to the starting line up as he rotates with Deon Hotto. Striker Tshegofatso Mabasa is likely to be given an opportunity to continue his momentum up front, along side Relebogile Mofokeng and Monnapule Saleng. 

Other players that could be looking for playing opportunities could be Lesedi Kapinga, Karim Kimvuidi, Kabelo Dlamini. Additionally, the likes of Sipho Baloni and Souaibou Marou. For Hungry Lions, they will want nothing more than to feast on the Buccaneers and make a name for themselves.