Orlando Pirates to continue with new players

It’s been a good time to join the Buccaneers for some of the new Orlando Pirates players. A few of coach Jose Riveiro‘s first-choice players are continuing to battle with injuries.

NEW ORLANDO PIRATES PLAYERS TO CONTINUE ENJOYING GAME TIME

It’s been a pleasing week at the Sea Robbers. The Buccaneers are the fresh kings of Soweto after beating Kaizer Chiefs 3-2 last Saturday. Monnapule Saleng grabbed a brace, while new Pirates player Thabiso Lebitso also scored a sweet strike past Bruce Bvuma.

“I think it was a proper derby. I think the previous ones, at least in the league, were much more, I don’t want to say boring, but I think today we had much more opportunity to see much more football, much more different momentums in the game for both teams,” coach Riveiro said after the game, as quoted by SABC Sport.

The result was a third-straight win over Amakhosi in the derby.

Speaking to the media ahead of the Nedbank Cup last 16 round this weekend, coach Riveiro regretted to say that three of his players remain injured: Evidence Makgopa, Paseko Mako and Bandile Shandu.

“It [injuries] didn’t change so much. The situation with Evidence Makgopa, Paseka Mako, Bandile Shandu…,” Riveiro said as quoted by FARPost.

The report means Tshegofastso Mabasa, who has been back from loan, as well as Lebitso, will continue to play in Makgopa and Shandu’s positions.

Unfortunately, though, Lebitso will be suspended this weekend but will be back to face Sekhukhune United on March 30.

“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,” Riveiro said about Pirates new player at right-back.

FULL LIST OF ALL THE NEW SIGNINGS THIS SEASON

• Patrick Maswanganyi, Attacking Midfielder, 25
• Lesedi Kapinga, Attacking Midfielder, 28
• Thabiso Lebitso, Right-Wing-Back, 28
• Melusi Buthelezi, Goalkeeper, 25
• Katlego Otladisa, Winger, 26
• Karim Kimvuidi, Attacking Midfielder, 21
• Thalente Mbatha, Central Midfielder, 23.

Who has impressed you the most? Let us know in the comments section below.

In the meantime, the Bucs will train for the final time on Friday. The Nedbank Cup last 16 game against Hungry Lions is set for Saturday evening. Kick-off will be at 18:00 from the Orlando Stadium.

Will the new Pirates players hold the Buccaneers to successfully defend their Nedbank Cup crown? We shall find out soonish.

Find more articles from Siseko Gwegwe here.