Orlando Pirates will go in search of a ticket to the Nedbank Cup quarter-final when they host National First Division side Baroka on Saturday.
Pirates are seeking to defend their title and make it three straight Nedbank cup titles and have what looks on paper to be an easy match but they must be wary of an upset.
The Buccaneers have had a rare free week with no midweek match since their heavy loss to Mamelodi Sundowns, when they were thrashed 4-1, last Saturday.
Head-to-head
Baroka last played in the PSL just before Jose Riveiro arrived at Pirates, exiting the top flight in the 2021-22 season, but had faced the Soweto giants 13 times at the time.
They have a decent record against Pirates as of the 13 matches, nine ended in draws, with Pirates winning three and one going their way.
That was, however, when Baroka were in the top flight but things are different now with Pirates challenging for the PSL while they are eighth in the National First Division.
Form guide
Pirates had won five straight matches before the heavy loss to Sundowns, while in their last 10, they have lost two and won eight, a formidable record that should worry Baroka.
Baroka, meanwhile, have just one win in their last five, three draws and one defeat, making up their form, although they had been on a four-match winning run before the inconsistencies began.
Pirates beat Richards Bay 3-1 in the Round of 32 of this competition while Baroka thrashed ABC Motsepe League team Umvoti 3-0 at the same stage.
Team news
Pirates coach Jose Riveiro will have to do without some of his key players with injuries rocking his camp as defender Thabiso Sesane and midfielder Thalente Mbatha have been added to the injury list while Monnapule Saleng’s situation is still not clear.
Baroka on the other hand have former Pirates attacking midfielder Collins Makgaka in their ranks who will perhaps provide some inside information, having left Riveiro’s team in July 2023.
What have they said?
Mkgaka is determined to show Pirates what they are missing as he has promised to rise to the occasion and lead his side to an unlikely win.
“I think it comes naturally [to perform well] when you play against your former team,” Makgaka told FARPost during the Nedbank Cup press conference.
“It is like there is something that you want to show. It is normal for every player to feel that way when you face a club you played for before.
“Just like myself, the last time we played against Baroka when I was at Pirates, it was the same thing and the same feeling. So, it is the same thing that is going to happen when we play Pirates. You always want to show them that it was not a mistake that you left like you just want to do your best.”
Riveiro, meanwhile, is bemoaning the loss of quality players at a crucial period in the season.
“The challenge for us is to replace that player with guarantees. Every player is different, you cannot expect the same thing from different players,” said Riveiro as per Soccer Laduma.
“We have to find the balance in the starting XI. Balance in position and balance out of position and also find balance in terms of leadership and every player has something to say in the squad.”
Time & where to watch?
The match will take place at Orlando Stadium from 15.00 and will be live on SuperSport TV.
Orlando Pirates predicted XI
Chaine, Van Rooyen, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Tapelo Xoki, Deon Hotto, Ndlondlo, Makhaula, Mofokeng, Nkota, Dlamini, Makgopa
