Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro at the Orlando Stadium. Image: BackpagePix
Orlando Pirates: TWO return, TWO ruled out of Nedbank Cup final?
Mixed news to say the least!
Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro at the Orlando Stadium. Image: BackpagePix
Orlando Pirates have mixed midfield news ahead of their crunch league clash with SuperSport and the Nedbank Cup final against Sundowns.
Mixed Orlando Pirates midfield news
Midfield orchestrator Miguel Timm is a major doubt for the Nedbank Cup final against Sundowns on 1 June after missing the 1-0 defeat to TS Galaxy. However, it’s not all doom and gloom with new fan favourite Thalente Mbatha back in the fold after his suspension. The on-loan SuperSport man has been a hit in the engine room, making 12 outings in the league.
This was the report from the official Pirates website before their 1-0 defeat to TS Galaxy:
“Thalente Mbatha returns to add to coach Jose Riveiro’s options in the midfield, following his absence from the team that faced Richards Bay. The 24-year-old is again eligible for selection having served his one-match suspension. The Buccaneers could soon be bolstered further by the return of Deon Hotto, who continues his recovery after picking up a knock in the Nedbank Cup semifinal triumph over Chippa United,”
Xoki is ruled out of the Nedbank Cup final
Khayelitshaa-born Tapelo Xoki has been a key operator for the Buccaneers this term. The 29-year-old central defender has made 26 appearances in the league as well as three appearances in the Nedbank Cup. He’s also grabbed three goals in that competition. According to the Pirates official website, Xoki has been ruled out of the rest of the season with a serious ankle injury suffered in training. He’ll reportedly need surgery.
BUCS HIT A POOR PATCH OF FORM AT A BAD TIME
Consecutive 1-0 defeats against Richards Bay and TS Galaxy mean the Sea Robbers’ CAF Champions League qualification hopes aren’t in their own hands. The Sea Robbers face SuperSport United on the final day of the campaign. Second-placed Stellenbosch, one point ahead of Pirates, meet Richards Bay away from home. If Stellenbosch match or better the Pirates result, they’ll seal CAF Champions League football for next season. Kickoff in both these matches is at 15:00 on Saturday 25 May.
BUCS FANS, WOULD YOU BE HAPPY WITH THIS PLACE IN THE LEAGUE IF YOUR CLUB WINS THE CUP FINAL AGAINST SUNDOWNS?
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