Orlando Pirates confirm blow to key duo against ex-Kaizer Chiefs coach’s team

On Saturday, Orlando Pirates will play Sekhukhune United in the first leg of the MTN8 semi-final to be staged at the Orlando Amstel Arena.

The defending champions made the last four after a laboured 2-1 victory against Durban City. Babina Noko, led by former Kaizer Chiefs coach Cedric Kaze, eliminated AmaZulu to advance.

Bucs have won the last four editions and will be aiming at making it four in a row. However, they will have to do it without their key midfield duo. The stars are nursing injuries and will be out for some time. But the team could be strengthened in the attacking department.

“Pirates will have to face Sekhukhune without the likes of Sihle Nduli and Thalente Mbatha, while Tshepang Moremi could soon return after sitting out the win over Chippa,” the club confirmed ahead of the game.

Time to roll up the sleeves and work!

Meanwhile, coach Abdeslam Ouaddou insists the team is ready to work toward achieving the set objectves this season.

“Last season is the past, we did well, I’m not living in the past, I’m living in the present, it’s another season to prove, we had rewards, our families are happy, we are happy,” he said.

“It’s a season with a lot of expectation, we had the time of the suit and tie to be beautiful [in the off-season], now it’s back to the overall, back to work, we have many targets this season.

“There’s a lot of talk around this competition, everyone wants to do well, it won’t be easy as everyone is chasing us now,” he concluded.