By Michael Madyira
Orlando Pirates’ quest to defend the Nedbank Cup title faces a stern pressure test from AmaZulu on Saturday at 6pm when the two sides clash at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban in a quarter-final match.
While Pirates are flying high from last weekend’s 7-1 PSL victory over Golden Arrows, they face Usuthu who ended a six-match PSL winless run with a 1-0 win over Cape Town City last weekend.
That victory could spur AmaZulu going into the game against the Buccaneers, although they are still not entirely safe from the pressure to escape relegation.
The Buccaneers will be without three centre-backs – Tapelo Xoki and Nkosinathi Sibisi, with Olisa Ndah injured.
But Pirates coach Jose Riveiro is not worried about missing the key men in Saturday’s battle.
“No, we are not worried about the three missing defenders,” Riveiro told the media.
“Yes, they are an important part of the team but you know we have seven central defenders who can play in that area.
“In some games, we have used Thabiso [Sesane] or Sandile [Mthethwa] and they did very well.
“We are a team and all the other players who will be available on the day are capable of playing in those positions. So we won’t miss them in this game.”
In the absence of the central defenders, Riveiro has options to field the likes of captain Innocent Maela, Mthethwa and Sesane at the heart of the defence.
After winning the MTN8 earlier in the season, the Nedbank Cup is an opportunity for the Buccaneers to finish the season with a double.
Pictured above: Orlando Pirates players celebrating.
Image source; Orlando Pirates
