Sekhukhune's Mntambo and Mabaso out to haunt Bucs

Sekhukhune United will square off with an improving Orlando Pirates side in a DStv Premiership match at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Tuesday.

Kick-off is at 5:00 pm CAT.

Babina Noko extended their winless run to six matches in the league when they let a one-goal lead slip in their 1-1 draw against Stellenbosch FC at home on 17 September heading into the Fifa international break.

The Limpopo side occupies the 15th spot on the DStv Premiership standings - three points behind 10th-placed TS Galaxy and a win over Pirates could see Babina Noko climb out of the relegation zone.

Kaitano Tembo, the Sekhukhune head coach, was concerned by his side's scoring problem following their clash with Stellies and he also discussed the Fifa break.

“I think it could be bad luck because I think with the chances that we have been creating, I see them putting them away in training," Tembo said.

“But when it comes to matches it doesn’t happen. It’s been a huge problem for us. All we can do is to continue working with the players, especially attacking players, in and around the box," he continued.

“To work on their confidence in terms of their composure. I think we are lacking in terms of composure in and around the box," he continued.

“Look, probably this is a time we might need to freshen the team as well in terms of giving the players more time to rest because you must understand that the travelling as well takes its toll on the players."

Meanwhile, Pirates are undefeated in their last two matches across all competitions, having drawn 0-0 with Mamelodi Sundowns at home in an MTN8 semifinal first-leg match on Saturday.

The Buccaneers find themselves in the second spot on the DStv Premiership standings - five points behind leaders Sundowns and three points above ninth-placed Kaizer Chiefs.

Jose Riveiro, the Pirates head coach, was very pleased with what he saw during their titanic encounter against Masandawana and he will take some positives into their clash with Sekhukhune.

"I think that was quite all right but of course, there’s always small adjustments and situations where they can create some trouble because they have a lot of quality. But we didn’t suffer at all I think in the first half.” Riveiro said.

“The second half started in a different way, and I think the first part of the second half they created some problems with the positioning of [Teboho] Mokoena, which was a bit difficult for us to defend in the beginning.

“But then we managed to control again and well. With the last minutes, with the fatigue, emotions, and substitutions it was a different game. It was a bit crazy sometimes but we finished with a feeling we were very close to getting more advantage," he added.

“But overall I’m really happy with our performance. With improvements I’m sure we’re going to improve as usual but like I said, overall I’m very happy.”

Sekhukhune United: PLAYERS TO WATCH

Linda Mntambo: The Sekhukhune captain will face his former side for the first time since he left Pirates at the end of last season and he will be determined to lead Babina Noko to a much-needed victory over the Buccaneers.

Tshegofatso Mabasa: The left-footed striker has revived his career at Sekhukhune while on loan at Pirates, having scored the most goals (two) for the Limpopo side. Mabasa will be eager to impress against his parent club.

Orlando Pirates: PLAYERS TO WATCH

Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo: The diminutive playmaker marked his debut for Pirates with a Man of the Match performance and he will now be looking to record his first assist or goal when he faces a struggling Babina Noko side.

Kermit Erasmus: The experienced marksman looked hungry for goals when he made his second debut for Pirates over the weekend as he featured as a substitute. Erasmus will be looking to inspire Bucs to a win in Polokwane.