Orlando Pirates will welcome back Nkosinathi Sibisi, Tapelo Xoki, Thabang Monare, and Patrick Maswanganyi ahead of their Soweto Derby match with Moroka Swallows.
The Buccaneers come into the derby at the back of a 2-1 defeat to Sekhukhune United. The loss ended a two-match winning run across competitions and saw them drop from second to fourth in the league.
Pirates have collected eight points in their last five games in the DStv Premiership but have struggled for goals. Against United, Jose Riveiro conceded two goals and found it difficult to get back into the game.
Going into the Soweto Derby, Orlando Pirates will have their stability back with ‘Tito’ slotting into the midfield and Xoki leading from the back.
Meanwhile, Swallows will be without striker Gabadinho Mhango who is ruled out following yellow-card suspension. Coach Musa Nyatama could bring in Thabang Maponya and Letsie Koapeng, both unused subs in the game against Spurs.
ORLANDO PIRATES AND SWALLOWS SQUARE OFF IN THE SOWETO DERBY
The Birds ended their winless run against Cape Town Spurs and could fly high yet again on Wednesday. Having jumped one spot to 13th place in the league standings, Swallows head into their match against Pirates looking to string results together to continue working their way up from the bottom half of the table.
The last time the two teams played, Orlando Pirates were triumphant in the last original Soweto Derby. Jose Riveiro’s side won 2-0 through a first-half strike from Evidence Makgopa and a Sipho Sibiya own goal played at Orlando Stadium earlier in the season.
The pressure now is on the Sea Robbers to deliver having lost ground in the fight for second place. Swallows are at ease having cleared themselves from relegation after a hard-fought win over Spurs.
