Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine. Image: Orlando Pirates
Orlando Pirates to be without Sipho Chaine for Nedbank clash
Bucs keeper Sipho Chaine was given compassionate leave by Orlando Pirates after losing his mother last week Friday.
Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine. Image: Orlando Pirates
Orlando Pirates will be without their number-one goalkeeper Sipho Chaine when they face Hungry Lions on Saturday evening.
The Buccaneers take on Hungry Lions in the Nedbank Cup round of 16 at the Orlando Stadium.
Chaine is unavailable for selection, having been granted compassionate leave following the passing of his mother.
The 27-year-old keeper recently returned to first-team action after recovering from a long-term injury.
He was in goal when Pirates defeated Kaizer Chiefs 3-2 in the Soweto Derby last week.
Chaine is not the only Orlando Pirates expected to miss Saturday’s clash. Evidence Makgopa, who missed the Buccaneers’ last two games due to injury is expected to be out.
The Bafana striker joins Bandile Shandu and Paseka Mako as they make their way back to full fitness after lengthy absences.
Mourning Sipho Chaine to miss Orlando Pirates game
Another player set to sit things out on is January signing, Thabiso Lebitso following his yellow card picked up during the derby.
The caution was his fourth of the season, triggering a one-match suspension.
In the absence of Chaine, Orlando Pirates could field Melusi Buthelezi in goal. The 26-year-old last played when the Buccaneers destroyed Crystal Lake 6-0 over two weeks ago.
The Sea Robbers are favourites to win the match given that they are playing at Orlando Stadium.
Henry Basie’s team are currently sixth on the Motsepe Foundation Championship log, just eight points away from the Magesi FC. Their goal is to gain PSL promotion but a win against Pirates could very much change the club’s fortune on Saturday.
The Buccaneers are aware that the game might be tougher than the one against Crystal Lakel. Without Chaine and Makgopa, the home side should have enough fire power to go through
Orlando Pirates host Hungry Lions in the Nedbank round of 16 at the Orlando Stadium on 16 March. Kick-off is for 18:00 and the match will be televised on SuperSport TV.
