KickOff's Siya Ndlela spent Thursday afternoon with Orlando Pirates as the Buccaneers prepare to take on Chippa United in the semi-final of the Nedbank Cup. Here are three important things we learned.
The Soweto giants are out to book a seat in the Nedbank Cup final, to be played on 6 June at the Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga, where they would defend their title against the winner between Stellenbosch FC and Mamelodi Sundowns.
READ | Sifiso Myeni still going strong
Standing before them and that momentous day is one of the competition's dark horses, in Chippa United, who, despite being at risk of being relegated from the DStv Premiership, are proving their worth in gold in the knockout cup competition.
The two teams will meet at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
Here are things KickOff learned from Pirates' Media Open Day:
Makhaula setback
Midfielder Makhehlene Makhaula will not feature on Saturday. The 33-year-old was not involved in the full training session on Thursday but conducted individual light training as he nurses his way back from what appears to have been a knock.
Makhaula has made 14 appearances this season and played the full 90 minutes in Pirates' 4-0 hammering of Royal AM but could not feature for the matchday squad that was listed to take on Cape Town City due to suspension.
Monare doubt
Another midfielder who will be a doubt for Pirates in the Nedbank Cup semi-final is Thabang Monare. Although he trained with the team on Thursday, he did so with a strapped knee.
Monare featured prominently for Jose Riveiro's side in the first half of the season, but with the arrival and immediate impact of Thalente Mbatha, has fallen down the pecking order or struggled with an injury.
With the likes of Ndabayithethwa Ndlondo, Siphelo Baloni and Miguel Timm all still available, Riveiro will not likely lose any sleep over his selection options come Saturday.
Another young star ready to fly
The head coach already mentioned how Relebohile Mofokeng's success has increased the possibility of younger players being entrusted with the responsibility of first-team action, and the next one in line could very well be Azola Matrose.
The 21-year-old has had to wait for his chance, having arrived from a season-long loan at Chippa United and spent a lengthy period on the sidelines due to an injury.
Matrose has been training with the senior team for several months training and Riveiro, when asked by KickOff on the speedy attacker's progress, confirmed that he is making 'big steps' towards his senior debut and is 'close to his best form.'
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
Click HERE to register!