Sandile Mthethwa and Thabiso Sesane of Orlando Pirates celebrate. Image: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix
Royal AM vs Orlando Pirates: What time is kickoff
All you need to know.
Sandile Mthethwa and Thabiso Sesane of Orlando Pirates celebrate. Image: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix
In-form Orlando Pirates will look to maintain their momentum against Royal AM this Sunday in DStv Premiership action.
Buccaneers face MaMkhize’s side in good touch
Jose Riveiro’s side have won their last three outings across all competitions, scoring 12 goals in that sequence. They’re locked in a race with Stellenbosch for a top-two place and need a win to keep pace with the Winelands side. Meanwhile, Royal AM are nine points clear of the relegation playoff spot and have a game in hand on their rivals at that end of the table. They’re unbeaten in their last two outings but haven’t kept a clean sheet in their last four. This clash kicks off on Sunday 28 April at 15:00.
ORLANDO PIRATES TRIO SUSPENDED FOR ROYAL AM TRIP
Sipho Chaine, Miguel Timm and Deon Hotto have all picked up four bookings this season. As a result, they must all now serve an automatic one-match suspension. That will necessitate a reshuffle throughout the spine of the side. Goalkeeper Sipho Chaine has been a key operator for the Buccaneers with his ball-playing ability out of defence but he’s got an able deputy in the shape of Melusi Buthelezi. On-loan midfielder Thalente Mbatha has been a hit for Pirates and will come into the side in Timm’s place to anchor the engine room. Meanwhile, utility star Deon Hotto’s versatility and selflessness down the left flank are difficult to replace but skipper Innocent Maela should deputise there.
UPCOMING FIXTURES
Jose Riveiro’s side is still in the hunt for a top-two finish and CAF Champions League qualification. Meanwhile, they’ve already claimed MTN8 glory this term and will be desperate to defend their Nedbank Cup crown too. Their assignment in the final four is a trip to Chippa on 4 May. If they successfully negotiate that, they’ll face the winner of Stellenbosch and Sundowns in the other semi-final.
- Sun 28 Apr vs Royal AM (A) – 15:00
- Wed 01 May vs Cape Town City (A) – 15:00
- Sat 04 May vs Chippa (A) – 15:00 (Nedbank Cup SF)
- Sat 11 May vs Richards Bay (H) – 20:00
Will Riveiro’s men secure a finish inside the top two this season?
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