Orlando Pirates will be on the center circle at uMhlathuze Sports Complex at 19:30 this Friday evening to face Richards Bay in the Betway Premiership.
With no key players returning from injury, we predict three changes to refresh Abdeslam Ouaddou’s team after Tuesday’s 5-0 drubbing of Golden Arrows at the Orlando Amstel Arena.
ORLANDO PIRATES STARTING 11 VS RICHARDS BAY TO EXPECT
With the full back and central midfield positions being the most demanding on the pitch, the Buccaneers are likely to rest Deon Hotto, Kamohelo Sebelebele and Thalente Mbatha.
In their places will be Nkosikhona Ndaba, Deano Van Rooyen and Makhehlene Makhaula, who will allows Masindi Nemtajela to move up to the number eight role.
Full starting line up: Goalkeeper: Sipho Chaine, Right back: Deano Van Rooyen, central defender: Nkosinathi Sibisi, central defender: Lebone Seema, left back: Nkosikhona Ndaba, defensive midfielder: Makhehlene Makhaula, central midfielder: Masindi Nemtajela, attacking mifielder: Relebohile Mofokeng, left winger: Oswin Appollis, right winger: Tshepang Moremi and striker: Yanela Mbuthuma.
Also read: Three midfield signings for Kaizer Chiefs next season – Part 2`
THIRD MEETING OF THE SEASON
Orlando Pirates and Richards Bay have already met twice this season. The first meeting came in the Carling Knockout semifinal back in November, where the Buccaneers edged a tight contest with a 1–0 win at Umhlathuze Sports Stadium.
The second encounter was in the Betway Premiership in March, and this time Orlando Pirates were more comfortable. Playing at home, they secured a 2–0 victory with Oswin Appollis opening the scoring in the 27th minute, before Evidence Makgopa wrapped it up with a late penalty in stoppage time.
Heading into tonight’s match, Pirates have the upper hand with two wins from two, while Richards Bay will be looking to turn things around and finally get a result.
Also read: Reports: Another top coach linked with Kaizer Chiefs
NEW VENUE EXPERIENCE FOR ORLANDO PIRATES
Orlando Pirates’ previous trips to face Richards Bay have usually been staged at the bigger Moses Mabhida Stadium, but tonight’s clash takes them to the more unfamiliar uMhlathuze Sports Complex.
“It’s an unfamiliar territory, I don’t think we’ve ever played a game there,” the Sea Robbers’ assistant coach Ncikazi told Orlando Pirates TV.
“But that is not important, whatever field, as long as there’s a piece of land, we are prepared to go there and give it our best shot.
“Preparations, recovery and analysis – go to uMhlathuze get three points, that’s our responsibility and mandate. Nothing less!”
WHAT DO YOU EXPECT FROM THIS MATCH?
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