Orlando Pirates resume their Caf Champions League journey this weekend when they host Stade d'Abidjan at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.
While the Buccaneers have a win and two draws from their last three outings in Group C, the Ivory Coast outfit have a single point.
The Soweto giants come into the match knowing maximum points will bring them closer to the next phase.
Form Guide and Head-to-Head
Both Pirates and Stade d'Abidjan have had a good domestic run ahead of the second meeting in the continental assignments.
The Buccaneers have claimed back-to-back Premier Soccer League wins since the 1-1 draw in Abidjan. They defeated Marumo Gallants 8-1 before managing another 1-0 victory against Magesi FC.
The Ivorian outfit have two wins and a draw from their last three league games. After a draw with Korhogo, they defeated Zoman and Lys Sassandra in the following fixtures.
In the head-to-head record, this is just the second meeting between the teams. After sharing the spoils in Ivory Coast, both teams have a chance to get their maiden win as far the two sides are concerned.
What they said
Coach Jose Riveiro opted to keep cards close to his chest when asked about Monnapule Saleng and his availability.
“Obviously, I’m not going to tell you 24 hours before the match who’s available and who’s not,” he told the media.
“First, because we still have a training session. Once we finish the training, we will know who is available and who is not. I think you’ll probably understand that I’m not going to say anything about who’s going to be in the 20 or the starting XI.
“Or who is not going to be [in] tomorrow? Because those are small things that also play in the game,” Riveiro continued.
“Our opponent would like to know who’s going to play. Our opponents are not going to have access to that information, so I’m not going to tell you who is in or who is out. I’m sure that you can understand.”
Team News and Starting XI
The hosts have the privilege of having most of their players available for the crucial outing. Nigeria international Olisa Ndah is the only long-term absentee alongside Zakhele Lepasa. Monnapule Saleng has been in and out of the team for ‘personal reasons'.
Stade d'Abidjan have not reported any injuries ahead of the match which gives coach Alexandre Lafitte a massive boost ahead of the game. Ousmane Meite created problems in the initial meeting and is hoping to get on the score sheet once again.
Pirates Probable XI: Chaine, van Rooyen, Hotto, Sibisi, Sesane, Makhaula, Mbatha, Dlamini, Mofokeng, Nkota, Mabasa.
Stade d'Abidjan Probable XI: Bamba, Meite, Traore, Kouakou, Gueye, Aka, Niampa, Assale, Kore, Kone, Kouyate
Time & Where to Watch
The game will be aired live on SABC 2 and SuperSport channel 209 from 18.00 SAT.
