Nkosinathi Sibisi, Sandile Mthethwa and Tapelo Xoki of Orlando Pirates. Photo: @orlandopirates/Twitter
Which team would you pick if you were the manager?
Nkosinathi Sibisi, Sandile Mthethwa and Tapelo Xoki of Orlando Pirates. Photo: @orlandopirates/Twitter
We’ve picked our Orlando Pirates XI to face AmaZulu with a trio of senior stars back in the fold. What does your selection look like?
Chaine; Lebitso, Sibisi, Xoki, Hotto; Makhaula, Mbatha; Saleng, Maswanganyi, Mofokeng; Mabasa.
Jose Riveiro is spoiled for choice in attacking areas with several players finding their shooting boots. Although Kabelo Dlamini was on the score sheet against Usuthu in Pirates’ 4-2 Nedbank Cup win last weekend, Riveiro has the luxury of bringing Monnapule Saleng in on that flank. Up top, Tshegofatso Mabasa is undroppable with 10 goals in the league this term and will be supported in attack by the in-form Patrick Maswanganyi who bagged a brace against AmaZulu last time out.
We could see wholesale changes in central defence with Nkosinathi Sibisi and Tapelo Xoki back from suspensions. Thabiso Sesane and skipper Innocent Maela would be the players to make way. Ever-dependable Deon Hotto should keep his place at left-back. Thalente Mbatha, on loan from SuperSport, is on the brink of earning a permanent deal and could come into midfield here alongside either Miguel Timm or Makhehlene Makhaula, also a goal-scorer last weekend.
Jose Riveiro will have a considerably stronger squad from which to choose against AmaZulu on Saturday. Key defensive duo Nkosinathi Sibisi and Tapelo Xoki return after serving suspensions, while Bafana Bafana striker Evidence Makgopa is back in full training and could make the matchday squad.
This is from the official Pirates website:
“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.”
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