Good news for Orlando Pirates fans ahead of 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. 

Pirates will be without Thabiso Lebitso, who is suspended for this tie, after getting a yellow card against Chiefs. Additionally they will be without the injured trio of Bandile Shandu, Paseko Mako and Evidence Makgopa.

But the good news is, Pirates will be able to call on Olisa Ndah for the game against Hungry Lions. According to Riveiro, the centre back suffered only a minor injury in the Soweto Derby against Chiefs. 

Ndah available for Pirates against Hungry Lions

“Everybody else is available for the match, Olisa Ndah? He’s fine, it was something minor, so luckily he is ready to compete again.” Said the Pirates coach according to FARPost.

It remains to be seen if Riveiro will continue to take precaution with Ndah, or bring him back into the fold. 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.