By Michael Madyira
Orlando Pirates will be out to revive their push for a PSL top-two spot when they host AmaZulu at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.
Currently third on the table, the Buccaneers are three points behind second-placed Stellenbosch.
The two teams meet on successive weekends after clashing in the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals at Moses Mabhida Stadium last Saturday.
Pirates triumphed 4-2 in a match spoiled by refereeing controversy as the Buccaneers coach Jose Riveiro clashed with his compatriot Pablo Franco Martin.
Martin was left fuming, feeling robbed by match officials, while Riviero was jubilant and the Spaniards now take their rivalry to Soweto.
The Soweto giants are on a 20-game unbeaten run against AmaZulu in all competitions, with Usuthu having last secured victory over Pirates in August 2013.
“Because of that record, AmaZulu will be itching to get revenge against Pirates,” said former Bafana Bafana defender Matthew Booth on SuperSport Trends and Tactics.
Pirates welcome back central defenders Nkosinathi Sibisi and Tapelo Xoki from suspension and they are likely to start at the heart of the defence.
Captain Innocent Maela and Thabiso Sesane were centre-back partners last weekend as another central defender, Olisa Ndah, was also out injured.
Booth is impressed by Sesane and tips him to be picked ahead of Xoki and Maela.
“I would bring Sibisi back to play alongside Sesane,” he said.
Booth said Sesane covered well with the tackles he made.
“I think he will retain his spot,” he said.
“I have to feel for Maela. He never set a foot wrong. But I think the more settled Sibisi and Sesane are a good centre-back pairing.”
While Pirates pumped four goals past Usuthu last weekend, Tshegofatso Mabasa was missing on the scoresheet after going into the match against the backdrop of grabbing a hat-trick against Golden Arrows.
“Upfront, Mabasa bullied Ramahlwe Mphahlele and Taariq Fielies. These two centre-backs have a lot to do,” said Booth.
AmaZulu have midfielder Ethan Brooks returning from suspension.
Pictured above: Orlando Pirates midfielder Miguel Timm bats AmaZulu’s Ben Motshwari to the ball.
Image source: Orlando Pirates
