Orlando Pirates are preparing for a highly anticipated clash against Mamelodi Sundowns this Saturday, with a nearly full-strength squad available to coach Jose Riveiro and his technical team. The Soweto giants will be hoping to take maximum points this time around, after losing 2-0 to the Brazilians in the corresponding fixture in December.
The Bucs were missing some key players in that first round match, including defender Olisa Ndah and goalkeeper Richard Ofori, who had been regulars prior to the FIFA World Cup break and played a pivotal role in the team’s MTN8 cup success. Moreover, Thembinkosi Lorch, who had been a long-term absentee from Bucs’ matchday squads, was still not available.
However, with preparations for this weekend’s encounter now concluded, all that is left for the Spanish mentor to do is decide on his best 11 to start. According to a source close to the team, all players are raring to go, including Lorch and Ofori, and the mood in camp is high going into the matches against Sundowns and All Stars (in the Nedbank Cup) respectively in the next two fixtures.
Themba Zwane is set to make his 350 appearance for Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday against Orlando Pirates
Games: 349
Goals: 73
Assists: 5210MBA is living legend, hopefully he’ll remains at Chloorkop even after his playing days over. MSFC pic.twitter.com/KD3CIMMZ2X
— 2023/24 League Champions (@maetsebane) February 1, 2023
