Orlando Pirates had their plans for the week disrupted but have an opportunity to get back on track when they host Cape Town City on Saturday.
Pirates were out in Mpumalanga for their PSL clash against Golden Arrows but saw the match abandoned after heavy rains had made the pitch unplayable.
It leaves Pirates with three games in hand but 12 points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who took advantage of their misfortune, to extend their advantage on the same day.
Pirates therefore have no margin for error as they must beat Cape Town City to avoid finding themselves with a mountain to climb, even if they have games in hand.
Jose Riveiro and his team, however, face a tricky challenge against the Citizens as it is Muhsin Ertugral’s team that handed them their second defeat of the season, following a 1-0 loss in Cape Town last month.
Form guide
However, a lot has changed since Cape Town beat Pirates as they have won juts one of their last seven games in all competitions, losing five and drawing one, to leave them in 10th position on the log with 21 points from 18 games.
That should give Pirates confidence as the Buccaneers come into the game with six wins and one defeat since losing to Ertugral’s team.
The loss was a 4-1 drubbing away to Mamelodi Sundowns but they are favourites to avenge their loss to Cape Town, given they are in second place with 33 points from 14 games so far.
Head-to-head
Pirates have a good record against Cape Town given in their last 10 meetings, they have managed five wins to the Citizens’ two, with three ending in draws.
It should inspire confidence although the Sea Robbers will be wary of falling into Cape Town’s trap again after how the team from the Mother City opted to stay compact and hit them on the break in January.
Team news
Pirates will welcome back Thalente Mbatha, whose absence from the last two matches has been subject of debate, following reports that he was dropped from the squad for coming to training while drunk, although the midfielder has since denied the claims.
Monnapule Saleng’s whereabouts still remain a mystery while Kabelo Dlamini is suspended. Dependable defenders Olisa Ndah and Thabiso Sesane are still out with injuries.
What have they said?
With the injuries in central defence, Riveiro has given an indication that DStv Diski Challenge star Mbekezeli Mbokazi could get his first start given Tapelo Xoki has not covered himself in glory since coming on for Sesane in the Soweto derby.
“He is an interesting prospect, he is a difficult player to find. Left-footed centre-back, they are not many,” Riveiro said of the 19-year-old, who was named on the bench for the abandoned match in midweek.
“Strong, competitive, good character, and willing to learn. A coachable player so far.”
Time & where to watch
The match will kick off at 15.30pm at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday and will be live on SuperSport TV (SS202).
Orlando Pirates predicted XI
Chaine, Van Rooyen, Hotto, Sibisi, Xoki, Mbatha, Makhaula, Maswanganyi, Nkota, Mofokeng, Mabasa
