Orlando Pirates’ 3-1 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns could be avenged in Soweto next month.
ORLANDO PIRATES’ BETWAY PREMIERSHIP TO BE DECIDED AGAINST SUNDOWNS?
“If Pirates win their game in hand we’re talking about six points. Pirates have got to play Mamelodi Sundowns at the Orlando Stadium and it’s happening sooner than later,” Makaab said via IDiski Times.
“I believe that could be a very vital game for both teams. If Sundowns do a double, it’s gonna be very difficult for Pirates to close back, let’s call it nine points. Six points is definitely doable.
“My only concern is, does Orlando Pirates have the depth in their squad to be challenging on so many fronts? Time will tell. I think they still need a couple of transfer windows to bolster the entire squad.
NEW ROLE FOR MAKHEHLENI MAKHAULA
Orlando Pirates supporters must have seen the change. Makhehleni Makhaula has shown a different side to his game.
Many of us have known the 35-year-old Makhaula as a sitting defensive midfielder, until he started to roam in attacking positions to score goal in the recent 2-1 win over Sekhukhune United, not forgetting his goal for the Sea Robbers in the Nedbank Cup final last season.
“Makhaula is more defensive, Kabelo is more offensive, but in this team, we defend as a team,” said Jose Riveiro via FARPost. “When we have the ball, we attack as a team. As you have seen recently Makhaula’s evolution, he is offensive when we are on the ball. He has been impressive for us.
“We played with two players with experience. Dlamini’s numbers in the league are top in every aspect. It means a lot to us,” concluded the Orlando Pirates tactician.
ORLANDO PIRATES LOSE THABISO SESANE
Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has reacted to the loss of his clutch central defender.
The Sea Robbers have lost a third central defender in one season. First, it was Tapelo Xoki, then Olisa Ndah, before it was Thabiso Sesane’s turn to suffer an injury during the 2-1 win over Sekhukhune United last Wednesday. “We felt [the impact] because it wasn’t an easy situation for Thabiso, it didn’t look good at that moment,” said Riveiro to journalists at the post-match conference. “Let’s see what it is [injury]. I think the team managed to continue with the same game plan, not changing so many things.
“That’s one of the strengths of this team. It doesn’t matter, but it matters who is playing in the team; the team finds its way to play our football.
Sesane’s injury fortunately occurred just when Orlando Pirates welcomed Xoki’s return to fitness after he was injured for two months.
“It’s not frequent that you have to change one of your centre-backs in the first stages of the game. It’s also difficult for Thapelo to come off the bench unexpectedly without time to activate himself. I think he did a good job,” concluded the Orlando Pirates tactician.
WHO IS THE BEST REPLACEMENT FOR THABISO SESANE?
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