Orlando Pirates fans are expectant on Soweto Derby Day. Image: BackpagePix
Predicted Orlando Pirates XI vs Sundowns
How will the Buccaneers line up?
Orlando Pirates fans are expectant on Soweto Derby Day. Image: BackpagePix
Orlando Pirates face Sundowns in this weekend’s standout fixture.
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Predicted Orlando Pirates XI vs Sundowns
Buthelezi; Monyane, Ndah, Sibisi, Hotto; Timm, Monare; Kimvuidi, Ndlondlo, Maswanganyi; Makgopa.
It’s been a while since the Buccaneers were last in action, their 2-3 defeat against Stellenbosch on 29 December.
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ORLANDO PIRATES PLAYERS ON THE BRINK OF SUSPENSION
Bandile Shandu, Thabiso Lebitso, Olisa Ndah and Thabang Monare are all one yellow card away from suspension. Should any of them collect a caution against Sundowns, they’d miss the following match in the Nedbank Cup Round of 32 on February 24th. The Buccaneers’ opponents for that clash are still to be determined.
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LORCH IN LINE TO FACE ORLANDO PIRATES?
Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates do battle on Saturday 17 February and the possibility of Thembinkosi Lorch facing his old club is an obvious subplot. Lorch swapped Pirates for Sundowns three weeks ago. Speaking on Radio 2000, Downs coach Rulani Mokwena wasn’t giving much away on the topic.
“He’s (Lorch) training with the team like all the other players and he’s looking okay and there is still a lot of work to be done from a physical perspective,” he said.
“His performances will speak for themselves and he knows that. He’s got the responsibility like a lot of players and at Sundowns meritocracy is very important. Lorch has to work hard like everyone else to earn his place in the team and merit a start.”
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Meanwhile, hit up James Freemantle for more insights, analysis and love for the beautiful game.
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