Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro is under pressure and will look to beat Jwaneng Galaxy. Image Source: (@OrlandoPirates/LorenzKohler/Facebook/Twitter)

Orlando Pirates without FIVE players for Hungry Lions match

Jose Riveiro will be forced to make changes to his usual Orlando Pirates starting line-up with five of his stars unavailable for selection.

by Ernest Makhaya

16-03-2024 10:25

in Premier Soccer League

Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro is under pressure and will look to beat Jwaneng Galaxy. Image Source: (@OrlandoPirates/LorenzKohler/Facebook/Twitter)

Orlando Pirates will be without FIVE players for their Nedbank Cup match against Hungry Lions at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.

Kick-off is at 18:00.

The two sides will battle it out for a place in the quarterfinals but this encounter seems like a mismatch given Pirates’ Cup pedigree.

Now, in a statement released ahead of the match, Pirates said Evidence Makgopa is a doubt due to injury as well as Bandile Shandu and Paseka Mako.

As reported on The South African, goalkeeper Sipho Chaine has been granted compassionate leave following the death of his mother.

Furthermore, Thabiso Lebitso will miss the encounter against Hungry Lions as he will be serving a one-match suspension.

ORLANDO PIRATES MISSING FIVE STARS FOR HUNGRY LIONS CLASH

“Bucs goalkeeper Sipho Chaine is unavailable for selection, having been granted compassionate leave by the Club following the passing of his mother,” reads part of the statement.

“The hosts are also likely to be without Evidence Makgopa, who missed the Buccaneers’ last two games due to injury. The striker joins Bandile Shandu and Paseka Mako as they make their way back to full fitness after lengthy absences.

“Another player set to sit things out on Saturday 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.”