Orlando Pirates veteran Siyabonga Mpontshane is attracting Polokwane City. Image: iDiski Times
Orlando Pirates receive triple boost!
Orlando Pirates will be strengthened further when they take on AmaZulu at the Orlando Stadium this evening, the club has confirmed.
Orlando Pirates veteran Siyabonga Mpontshane is attracting Polokwane City. Image: iDiski Times
Orlando Pirates are set to welcome three players back ahead of their DStv Premiership game against AmaZulu.
This game will be a grudge encounter for AmaZulu who saw themselves knocked out by Pirates in the Nedbank Cup.
AmaZulu were the first to break the deadlock, courtesy of former Kaizer Chiefs playmaker Hendrick Ekstein in the 30th minute. He did so with a well-taken thunderbolt from the edge of the box. Then next two goals will come courtesy of Pirates, however. The first being a contentious one involving former Usuthu player Makhehleni Makhaula. The defensive midfielder was adjudged to have been fouled in the box by defender Taariq Fielies.
Patrick Maswanganyi would be tasked to take the spot kick and he converted, levelling for Pirates. The Buccaneers then took the lead through a Kabelo Dlamini free kick in the second half. Fielies then turned from villain to hero for AmaZulu as he headed home their equaliser. The visitors retook the lead through Makhaula, coming back to haunt his former side again.
Pirates would then put the game beyond doubt in stoppage time, with Maswanganyi completing his brace. But they did so without quite a few key players especially in central defence. Now, following that 4-2 victory over AmaZulu they’ll welcome back centre back duo Tapelo Xoki, Nkosinathi Sibisi and Evidence Makgopa.
Three return for Pirates!
“Defensive duo Nkosinathi Sibisi and Tapelo Xoki are again in contention for places in the match-day squad after both players missed out on the trip to Durban through suspension. Another boost for Pirates is the looming return of striker Evidence Makgopa, who is back at training after over a month on the sidelines.” Wrote Pirates on their website.
Xoki and Sibisi to start, while Makgopa benches?
Xoki and Sibisi are expected to go straight back into the line up, as they were not injured so won’t lack fitness. Makgopa, on the other hand, would be expected to start on the Pirates bench if deemed fit enough to be involved. Tshegofatso Mabasa’s top form will also see him have the upper hand over the Bafana Bafana international.
