By Michael Madyira
Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has hinted at unleashing January signings Souaibou Marou and Makhehlene Makhaula to stop high-flying Mamelodi Sundowns.
The two traditional giants confront each other in a Premier Soccer League match at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.
Masandawana are on a terrific 14-match winning run in the league as most PSL teams have been unsuccessful in attempts to stop Rhulani Mokwena’s side.
With Pirates having recently added Cameroon World Cup forward Marou and experienced midfielder Makhaula to their squad, Riveiro hopes he now has a capable arsenal to halt the Brazilians’ ruthlessness.
“We are happy to have more material in the squad and we are working hard to ensure that they are ready to be selected as soon as possible,” Riveiro said in the pre-match press conference.
Veteran striker Ndumiso Mabena is also another new addition who is yet to make an appearance since being signed as a free agent in December 2022.
The Sundowns match comes at a time when Pirates appear to have improved on their scoring which was an area of concern entering the New Year.
The Buccaneers have found the back of the net nine times in their last three league outings in which they have recorded victories.
A seemingly confident Riveiro sends a subtle warning to Sundowns, saying, “one of us is not going to be happy.”
“Both teams are in a good moment in terms of results,” said Riveiro.
“You don’t win 14 games in a row if you are not doing things well and you don’t win three games if you are not doing well.
“So it’s going to be a good test for both teams, and one of us is not going to be happy with the result because we are both teams that are not playing for draws. “
The Soweto giants would be drawing inspiration from the second leg of the MTN8 semi-final when they upstaged Masandawana 3-0 in Limpopo.
The two sides last met on 30 December with Sundowns emerging 2-0 winners at Loftus Versfeld.
Pictured above: Souaibou Marou
Image source: Orlando Pirates
