Richard Ofori of Orlando Pirates. Photo: @orlandopirates/Twitter

Richard Ofori of Orlando Pirates. Photo: @orlandopirates/Twitter

Two blows, one boost for Pirates in terms of player availability

There is mixed news in terms of player availability for Pirates as they prepare to take on Golden Arrows on Tuesday night.

Richard Ofori of Orlando Pirates. Photo: @orlandopirates/Twitter

Richard Ofori of Orlando Pirates. Photo: @orlandopirates/Twitter

Orlando Pirates are gearing up for some midweek league action as they travel to KwaMashu for a DStv Premiership clash against Golden Arrows on Tuesday night.

It’s the first of two consecutive games on the road for the Buccaneers, who will be running onto the field twice this week, while Arrows enjoy another outing on their home turf, where they have played each of their October fixtures.

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Courtesy of the Pirates media department, here is some key information ahead of the clash:

Team News 

Pirates will be able to call upon wing-back Thabiso Monyane, who is eligible to play on Tuesday after serving out his two-match suspension. His return comes amid doubts over the fitness of Bandile Shandu, who limped off in the first half against AmaZulu.

Another player to be assessed after having to be withdrawn early during Friday’s outing is goalkeeper Richard Ofori, who was replaced by Siyabonga Mpontshane in the second half.

Arrows also have injury concerns of their own, with defender Ntsikelelo Nxadi doubtful for the clash after being sidelined by an injury picked up during a 1-1 draw at home to Stellenbosch earlier in the month.

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Key Players

Monnapule Saleng (Orlando Pirates): The attacking midfielder has had to bide his time before getting an opportunity in Bucs colours, and has fit seamlessly within Coach José Riveiro’s system. Saleng has proven to be an asset on attack, bringing a dynamic edge to the team which has seen him enjoy a consistent run in the starting lineup.

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DStv Premiership
Monapule Saleng of Orlando Pirates on the ball during the DStv Premiership 2022/23 match between Orlando Pirates and Richards Bay held at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg on 8 October 2022. Photo: Thabang Lepule/BackpagePix

Pule Mmodi (Golden Arrows): Mmodi has been one of the key players in the Arrows setup for a few seasons now and based on his output in the early stages of the ongoing campaign, he appears well on his way to another stellar showing. The 29-year-old has mainly operated in the channel behind the centre-forward, scoring in each of his side’s league victories to bring his tally up to four so far.

Head-to-Head 

The two sets of fans will be hoping for goals this time around, following a pair of goalless stalemates the last two times these sides met.

It is not a fixture where goals have flowed in recent times, with just two scored in its last six instalments – both coming as the Buccaneers suffered a shock 2-0 defeat in the 2020/21 season. 

The Soweto giants are however the dominant side in terms of overall head-to-head results, winning half of their last 34 games against KwaZulu-Natal based outfit and only suffering six defeats, with 42 goals scored and 24 conceded.

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How to Watch Orlando Pirates vs Golden Arrows 

The game kicks off at 19:30 and will be broadcast live on Supersport PSL. Live updates will also be provided on Orlando Pirates’ social media, and of course right here on TheSouthAfrican.com.

Tickets for the game are available online at Ticketpro outlets across the country.

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