Pirates, AmaZulu in battle for runners-up spot

Orlando Pirates will battle with their top-two rivals AmaZulu FC in the DStv Premiership match at the Orlando Stadium on Thursday.

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Kick-off is at 5:00 pm CAT.

Bucs are coming off an embarrassing 4-0 loss to Morocco's Raja Casablanca in the CAF Confederation Cup game over the weekend and they also bowed out of the tournament after losing 5-1 on aggregate.

However, the Soweto giants are undefeated in their last two matches in the DStv Premiership and they are placed fourth on the standings - seven points behind second-placed AmaZulu.

With his side having two games game in hand, Pirates head coach Josef Zinnbauer remains hopeful that they can defeat AmaZulu and go on to secure a second spot finish which would secure CAF Champions League qualification for next season.

“It’s possible. You have to win against AmaZulu‚ then it’s entirely possible. It’s not easy but it’s possible‚" Zinnbauer said.

“They are a strong team at the moment and they have successful players there. They have points ahead of us and it will be a good game for us, and we are looking forward to it.”

Meanwhile, AmaZulu are also wounded after they saw their 16-match unbeaten run in the league come to an end when they suffered a 1-0 loss to Baroka FC at home on May 11.

The defeat saw Usuthu remain second on the standings - seven points behind leaders, Mamelodi Sundowns, who need three points to clinch the DStv Premiership title from their last four games.

Benni McCarthy, the AmaZulu head coach, has stressed the importance of their clash with Pirates as he looks to ensure that KwaZulu-Natal giants secure a second spot finish this term.

"Come Thursday, I hope the guys have the same desire and hunger, to wanna win, but we have prepared ourselves nicely for this encounter," McCarthy said.

"We are ready for Thursday's match. We are hoping for a good encounter, but it is an encounter that will put our foot further in the stronghold of securing that second-place finish."

Orlando Pirates: PLAYERS TO WATCH

Thabang Monare: The Bafana Bafana international is expected to make his first appearance in the league since April 18 when Pirates defeated Maritzburg United. Monare will be eager to play a key role in helping Bucs secure a win over Usuthu.

Thembinkosi Lorch: The 2018/19 PSL Footballer of the Year featured in Pirates' last two matches which were both against Raja after recovering from an injury. Lorch has the ability to single-handedly inspire Pirates to a win against AmaZulu.

AmaZulu FC: PLAYERS TO WATCH

Luvuyo Memela: The experienced attacking midfielder is playing his best football under McCarthy having netted two goals in his last three league games for Usuthu. Memela will be looking to continue his good form against his former side, Pirates.

Lehlohonolo Majoro: The former Pirates striker has found his scoring touch under McCarthy as he has hit the back of the net three times in his last five league games for AmaZulu. Majoro will also be eager to haunt Pirates by inspiring Usuthu to a win.