Orlando Pirates vs Richards Bay: Kickoff time, suspension news
Orlando Pirates face Richards Bay on Saturday 11 May with their eyes firmly focused on three points that would keep them in the hunt for CAF Champions League qualification.
Mbatha is suspended
Thalente Mbatha will play no part against Richards Bay on Saturday, 11 May, after picking up a fourth booking of the campaign, against Chippa. Pirates were comfortable 2-0 winners against the Chilli Boys, thanks to a brace from red-hot striker Tshegofatso Mabasa. Mbatha has been a key figure since arriving from SuperSport on loan. The consensus is that Pirates will exercise their option to sign him permanently. A clash against relegation strugglers Richards Bay isn’t the worst match for him to miss, although the visitors are fighting for their lives in the top flight. Mbatha and Makhuala anchored the midfield against Chippa, so Miguel Timm should come in for Mbatha. Kickoff is at 20:00.
CAF race heats up
Stellies lead Pirates by just a single point with three matches to play in the DStv Premiership season. Stellies could only manage a goalless draw with AmaZulu last time out.
Orlando Pirates fans are expectant on Soweto Derby Day. Image: BackpagePix
RIVEIRO IS SPOILT FOR CHOICE
Timm isn’t exactly a shabby replacement in midfield. Pirates introduced him, Katlego Otladisa, Evidence Makgopa, Lesedi Kapinga and Olisa Ndah off the bench in a routine 2-0 win over Chippa. That’s some serious star quality. We could see rotation on Saturday against Richards Bay with all of these five players pushing for starts, although it’s likely Riveiro will stick with his tried and tested starting XI of recent weeks. 19-year-old Relebohile Mofokeng, a hugely popular figure among Pirates fans, is being tipped to wear the number 10 jersey at some stage. Jomo Sono is a giant name in South African football. The flashy star spent five entertaining years with Orlando Pirates before embarking on a North American adventure. Steve Lekolea tried on his number 10 jersey but nobody can do it like Jomo. More recently, Vincent Pule had a short spell with the jersey in 2020/21 but the 10 has become more or less extinct.
Orlando Pirates youngster Relebohile Mofokeng is attracting interest from Glasgow Rangers. Image: Goal.com
WILL THE SEA ROBBERS FINISH THE SEASON WITH TWO TROPHIES?
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