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Pirates look to avoid Lion trap in Soweto

football15 March 2024 14:50| © Backpage TXT
By:BackpageTXT
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Jose Riveiro © Backpage Pix

Orlando Pirates will go head-to-head with Hungry Lions in a Nedbank Cup Last 16 match at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday.

Kick-off is at 6:00 pm CAT.

CURRENT FORM

The Buccaneers are coming off an impressive 3-2 win over their arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs in a high-profile DStv Premiership match played on 9 March and they are enjoying a five-match unbeaten run across all competitions.

Pirates, who beat fourth-tier side Crystal Lake 6-0 in the Last 32, are on a mission to defend the Nedbank Cup. Jose Riveiro's side are determined to emulate SuperSport United who remain the last team to win back-to-back Nedbank Cups in 2016 and 2017.

Meanwhile, Lions are licking their wounds at the moment having succumbed to a 2-1 loss to University of Pretoria in a Motsepe Foundation Championship match on 8 March. The defeat ended Ditau Di A Rora's two-match unbeaten run across all competitions.

The Northern Cape side reached this stage of the Nedbank Cup after securing a 1-0 win over JDR Stars in the Last 32. Lions are hoping to cause an upset against the Soweto giants and reach the quarterfinals for the first time.

TEAM NEWS

Pirates will be without the injured trio of Bandile Shandu, Evidence Makgopa and Paseka Mako while Thabiso Lebitso is suspended.

Lions, on the other hand, have no suspension concerns, but players such as Baxolise Khotso, Ephraim Mothibedi, George Vaaltyn and S'bongakonke Gamede are one yellow card away from suspension.

WHAT WAS SAID

Orlando Pirates coach José Riveiro:

“We want to be in the next round and we want to make sure we continue to defend the trophy we won last year. It’s our responsibility to keep our feet on the ground for people to continue to be proud of what we’re doing,” Riveiro said.

“This time it’s much easier to get the information about the opponent [Lions]. So, in that sense, the game is balanced. It’s a typical SA team from the second tier, with skilful players up front.

"They have a good combination of experienced and talented players. Well organised, with a clear shape orientation. There’s a structure when they’re defending, with the capacity to create problems in transition," he added.

“They have the speed and they have quality. On the day, we know what these games are like, every player running an extra mile and willing to prove how they’re capable of dealing with a team like Pirates.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Monnapule Saleng, Pirates: The flying winger grabbed a brace in Pirates ' Soweto Derby victory over Chiefs and he will pose a major threat to the Lions' defence with his explosive speed & finishing ability.

Katlego Cwinyane, Lions: The Pirates academy product, who scored Lions' winning goal against JDR, will be looking to prove a point against the Buccaneers by inspiring Ditau Di A Rora to a victory in Soweto.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

N/A – This will be the first meeting of Orlando Pirates and Hungry Lions.

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