TWO Orlando Pirates stars suspended for Nedbank Cup clash with AmaZulu

Orlando Pirates face a mini defensive crisis for their Nedbank Cup quarter-final with AmaZulu.

Pirates prepare for Nedbank Cup clash with 7-1 rout of Golden Arrows

After underwhelming results against Sekhukhune and Swallows, a 2-1 defeat and a 1-1 draw, The Buccaneers responded stylishly with a thumping of Golden Arrows. There were five goal-scorers on the day. Those included hat-trick hero Tshegofatso Mabasa, Kabelo Dlamini, Relebohile Mofokeng, Sandile Mthethwa and Karim Kimvuidi.

Defensive crisis for Riveiro to ponder

Nkosinathi Sibisi missed the 7-1 win over Arrows after his dismissal against Swallows for dissent. Fellow central defender Tapelo Xoki picked up his fourth yellow card of the campaign against Arrows. He will miss out against Usuthu. Meanwhile, Olisa Ndah is still nursing an injury which means the Buccaneers look a little light in the heart of defence. Pirates might need to field a new partnership in defence with Sandile Mthethwa and Thabiso Sesane the most obvious options in that regard.

Pirates face AmaZulu on Saturday 13 April at 18:00 from Moses Mabhida Stadium.

The Nedbank Cup 2024 trophy. Image: @safootclassics/X.

Dlamini to leave Pirates?

Meanwhile, according to Soccer-Laduma, Moroccan giants Raja Casablanca are interested in the services of left-footed playmaker Kabelo Dlamini. Although he’s not been a regular part of the furniture at the club, Dlamini did impress at the back end of 2022-23 with several notable contributions in the final third.  This term he has a goal and an assist from 11 league appearances.

“Actually it’s coach Zinnbauer who wants him (at Raja Casablanca). He has already talked to the people who are involved with Kabelo (Dlamini). I understand he has been given the go-ahead at his team in Morocco to look for the players who he thinks can help the team fight for the league title next season and Kabelo’s name is on top of the list.” Said one source to the publication.

A second source confirms that Pirates have also not given up on keeping Dlamini, despite interest from Raja.

Kabelo Dlamini of Orlando Pirates. Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

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