Orlando Pirates boss Jose Riveiro must reshuffle the spine of his squad with three key players suspended for their weekend clash with Royal AM.
Predicted Pirates XI vs Royal AM
Buthelezi; Lebitso, Xoki, Sesane, Maela; Makhaula, Mbatha; Dlamini, Maswanganyi, Mofokeng; Mabasa.
Suspensions disrupt Riveiro’s Royal AM preparations
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.
Upcoming Fixtures
- 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
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.
Hotto’s contract expires in June
Hotto, a star for Namibia at Afcon 2023, has been a rock-solid operator down the left-hand side of the Pirates team. Equally adept in defence or midfield, he’s a manager’s dream. At 33, however, his contract expires in June and is unlikely to be extended. The vastly-experienced star has 65 caps for his country. He’s also made 23 appearances in the DStv Premiership this season, not missing a single game, scoring a goal and supplying five assists. To say he’ll be difficult to replace is a gross understatement.
What are your score predictions for Royal AM vs Pirates?
Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing [email protected] or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest DStv Premiership news.