Orlando Pirates without THREE key members for Royal AM trip

Orlando Pirates will be without THREE key members of their team when they visit Royal AM in the league on Sunday afternoon.

Kick-off at Harry Gwala Stadium is at 15:00.

This will be the second league meeting between the two sides, and Royal AM will be seeking revenge after losing 4-2 to Pirates in the first round.

On that day, Zakhele Lepasa scored a brace while Monnapule Saleng and Bandile Shandu scored a goal each for the Buccaneers.

Royal AM found the back of the net through Hopewell Cele and Mxolisi Macuphu as they returned to KwaZulu Natal empty-handed.

ORLANDO PIRATES VISIT ROYAL AM WITHOUT THREE STARS

Now, Pirates will have to make changes to their usual starting line-up as goalkeeper Sipho Chaine, left-wing back Deon Hotto and midfield anchor Miguel Timm are all unavailable.

This is according to the PSL who released a list of suspended players ahead of this weekend’s league fixtures.

The trio accumulated four yellow cards each, meaning they should serve a one-match ban before being eligible to feature for Pirates again.

Chaine, Hotto and Timm will, however, be available for selection when Pirates visit Chippa United in the Nedbank Cup semi-finals next week.

Chaine has been fantastic for the Sea Robbers this season following his elevation from the bench to the starting line-up.

And his availability in the Nedbank Cup match against Chippa United is crucial after proving to be a good penalty stopper in the past.

Hotto and Timm have also been huge contributors of Pirates’ success for years now, and their unavailability will come as a blow.

WHO ARE LIKELY TO FEATURE FOR BUCS?

Now, Jose Riveiro has to make changes in defence and in midfield – and these are the three players likely to feature against Royal AM.

Melusi Buthelezi is almost certain to return to the starting line-up after losing that No.1 spot towards the end of 2023 due to some costly goalkeeping errors.

Captain Innocent Maela is likely to lead from the back in place of Hotto who plays as a left-wing back ahead of Paseka Mako.

In midfield, Thalente Mbatha is expected to start alongside Makhehleni Makhaula after doing so well when he came from the bench against AmaZulu in the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals.

It will then be up to those three players to impress Riveiro and possibly cement their places in the Sea Robbers starting line-up for future games.