Benni McCarthy

AmaZulu coach Benni McCarthy wants his side to enjoy the privilege and appreciate the honour of playing in the CAF Champions League. © Steve Haag/BackpagePix

Orlando Pirates name starting XI for AmaZulu showdown!

Orlando Pirates and AmaZulu FC have named their starting lineups ahead of this afternoon’s blockbuster DStv Premiership encounter in Orlando

Benni McCarthy

AmaZulu coach Benni McCarthy wants his side to enjoy the privilege and appreciate the honour of playing in the CAF Champions League. © Steve Haag/BackpagePix

Orlando Pirates welcome Benni McCarthy’s AmaZulu this evening in a mouthwatering DStv Premiership clash and below is how both teams lineup.

A win for AmaZulu today will secure the all-important second CAF Champions League slot alongside champions Mamelodi Sundowns while for Orlando Pirates, hopes of playing continental football will require nothing less than a victory!

Benni McCarthy’s revival at Usuthu has been remarkable to say the least however wrapping up their runners-up spot will be the icing on the cake.

Josef Zinnbauer on the other hand will know the axe is looming given his side’s performances of late. Orlando Pirates have won just once in their last eight matches!

Orlando Pirates vs AmaZulu: Starting lineups

Orlando Pirates XI: Mpontshane, Nyauza, Mako, Maela, Ndlovu, Zungu, Monare, Motshwari, Lorch, Hotto, Mhango.

Subs: Sandilands, Jooste, Sam, Jele, Mabaso, Mntambo, Makaringe, Pule, Dlamini.

AmaZulu XI: Awaiting

It’s a cup final – Benni McCarthy

“I would have loved if we could have played one or two friendlies, because some of our opponents we are playing with have played two very competitive matches.” AmaZulu head coach Benni McCarthy said ahead of today’s clash against Orlando Pirates.

“But I’m happy with the attitude and mentality from the boys. Preparations have been good. I hope the boys will be fresh, ready and hungry because the next three games are cup finals for us. The club is in this situation we find ourselves in for the first time. It’s better to be in this situation. We have it in our own hands and it depends on how serious we are about pushing and putting on a great fight.

“Maybe now it’s too late to challenge Mamelodi Sundowns (for the league title), but we have to do it for ourselves, for our families, for the AmaZulu fans. It wasn’t by chances that we played the football we have played and the battles we won. We worked exceptionally hard, so come Thursday, we hope the boys have the same desire and same hunger to want to win.

“We prepared ourselves nicely, we are ready for Thursday’s match against Orlando Pirates. It’s a good encounter, but it’s an encounter that will just put our foot further in a strong hope of securing a second place finish.”

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Orlando Pirates vs AmaZulu: Kick-off time and live-streaming info

Action at the Orlando Stadium gets underway at 17:00. The match will be televised live on Supersport PSL while this website will also be providing you with live coverage 30 minutes before kick-off.

Today’s DStv Premiership thriller between Orlando Pirates and AmaZulu can also be live streamed using Multichoice’s streaming platform DStv Now (Subscription required).