Orlando Pirates set to welcome back new fan favourite!
Orlando Pirates set to welcome back new fan favourite!
Orlando Pirates will continue their charge for second spot in the DStv Premiership when they take on TS Galaxy.
Pirates are just one point away from Stellenbosch FC, who currently occupy that second and final CAF Champions League spot.
The game against Galaxy will be Pirate’s final away game of the season. As tricky as trips to Mbombela can be, they will be hoping to walkaway with all three points. What makes a win imperative for the Buccaneers is their previous result. They suffered a shock 1-0 loss to Richards Bay FC, who secured at least a playoff spot at the expense of the Soweto giants.
Pirates and Stellenbosch battle for second spot
Furthermore, they will know that at the same time, Stellenbosch will be taking on the mammoth task of Mamelodi Sundowns. If you are going by the trajectory of Sundowns, who are yet to lose in the league, the Cape Winelands side are likely to drop points. That should give Pirates extra motivation to make sure they get maximum points to take charge of the race.
If Stellenbosch lose then Pirates require just a point to be level with them, taking it to the last day. Whatever the scenario, the Sea Robbers will be happy to have new fan favourite Thalente Mbatha back. The on-loan midfielder was serving a one match suspension which kept him out of the loss to Richards Bay.
Besides Mbatha, Pirates could be able to call upon Deon Hotto, from injury. According to the club website, the Namibian international has been training and could be in contention for the game against Galaxy.
Mbatha back for Pirates
“Thalente Mbatha returns to add to coach Jose Riveiro’s options in the midfield, following his absence from the team that faced Richards Bay. The 24-year-old is again eligible for selection having served his one-match suspension. The Buccaneers could soon be bolstered further by the return of Deon Hotto, who continues his recovery after picking up a knock in the Nedbank Cup semifinal triumph over Chippa United. For the Rockets, coach Sead Ramovic could shuffle his pack with the likes of Lindokuhle Mbatha and Orebotse Mongae expected back after missing the trip to Cape Town.” Wrote a post on the Pirates website.
Kick off for the game between Galaxy and Pirates is set for 15h00 on Saturday afternoon.