We’ve picked our Orlando Pirates XI to face AmaZulu with a trio of senior stars nack in the gold. What does your selection look like?
Predicted Pirates XI vs AmaZulu
Chaine; Lebitso, Sibisi, Xoki, Hotto; Makhaula, Mbatha; Saleng, Maswanganyi, Mofokeng; Mabasa.
Jose Riveiro is spoiled for choice in attacking areas with several players finding their shooting boots. Although Kabelo Dlamini was on the score sheet against Usuthu in Pirates’ 4-2 Nedbank Cup win last weekend, Riveiro has the luxury of bringing Monnapule Saleng in on that flank. Up top, Tshegofatso Mabasa is undroppable with 10 goals in the league this term and will be supported in attack by the in-form Patrick Maswanganyi who bagged a brace against AmaZulu last time out.
Defensive tinkering?
We could see wholesale changes in central defence with Nkosinathi Sibisi and Tapelo Xoki back from suspensions. Thabiso Sesane and skipper Innocent Maela would be the players to make way. Ever-dependable Deon Hotto should keep his place at left-back. Thalente Mbatha, on loan from SuperSport, is on the brink of earning a permanent deal and could come into midfield here alongside either Miguel Timm or Makhehlene Makhaula, also a goal-scorer last weekend.
KEY BUCS TRIO TO RETURN
Jose Riveiro will have a considerably stronger squad from which to choose against AmaZulu on Saturday. Key defensive duo Nkosinathi Sibisi and Tapelo Xoki return after serving suspensions, while Bafana Bafana striker Evidence Makgopa is back in full training and could make the matchday squad.
This is from the official Pirates website:
“Defensive duo Nkosinathi Sibisi and Tapelo Xoki are again in contention for places in the match-day squad after both players missed out on the trip to Durban through suspension. Another boost for Pirates is the looming return of striker Evidence Makgopa, who is back at training after over a month on the sidelines.”
UPCOMING PIRATES FIXTURES
- Sat 20 Apr vs AmaZulu (H) – 17:30
- Sun 28 Apr vs Royal AM (A) – 15:00
- Wed 01 May vs Cape Town City (A) – 15:00
- Sat 04 May vs Chippa (Nedbank Cup semi-final, A) – 15:00
- Sat 11 May vs Richards Bay (H) – 20:00
- Sat 18 May vs TS Galaxy (A) – 15:00
- Sat 25 May vs SuperSport (H) – 15:00
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