Orlando Pirates will be aiming for their first league win in 2022 when they host seventh-placed SuperSport United this evening – here is how they line up at Orlando Stadium.
Despite Pirates not securing three points in the new calendar year, they still find themselves in contention for a top-three spot as they trail third-placed Kaizer Chiefs by three points and second-placed Royal AM by four.
However, they have played two games more than Amakhosi and one more than John Maduka’s outfit but a win over a tricky SuperSport side could signal their intentions once more.
Matsatansa are clearly a side in transition having lost several of their most prized assets over the past few transfer window but will welcome a few familiar faces back to the squad.
Thamsanqa Gabuza, Keegan Johannes and Guily Manziba are all back in contention for head coach Kaitano Tembo while Pirates only have Vincent Pule and Thembinkosi Lorch unavailable for the fixture.
Bradley Grobler’s goals have been a huge miss for the visitors as he continued to recover from a long-term injury but that hasn’t deterred the confidence of club and national team captain Ronwen Williams.
“Our main aim is to win this match and get a positive result, it’s going to be a massive challenge but one that we are ready for,” he said ahead of the game.
“Pirates always play good football, but we don’t focus on them, we have done our analysis so what’s left now is to get the job done.
“I personally don’t think home ground advantage counts at the moment as there are no fans allowed, so it’s an even playing field.”
Orlando Pirates XI: Ofori; Shandu, Nyauza, Ndah, Mako; Monare, Mosele, Makaringe; Dlamini, Hotto, Dzvukamanja.
Subs: Mpontshane, Maela, Mabaso, Sam, Jele, Ndlovu, Makgaka, Lepasa, Peprah.
SuperSport United XI:
