As the quest to keep up with Mamelodi Sundowns in the title race continues for Orlando Pirates, a big task lies ahead against unpredictable Richards Bay in their next match at the King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium this weekend.
Pirates failed to beat the Natal Rich Boyz in three matches last season after playing to a 0-0 draw in the first round league fixture in KwaZulu-Natal and the 1-0 loss in the second in Orlando.
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It was also the KZN outfit that damaged the Buccaneers' record of being the cup specialists under Jose Riveiro after defeating them in the Carling Knockout competition in November.
With Bucs going to the match with one eye in the eagerly awaited MTN8 final clash against Stellenbosch FC next Saturday, it could get trickier against Richards Bay who are desperate for a win after being able to collect only one point in their last two matches.
As Riveiro has already said that he is anticipating a tough match, indications are that the mentor isn't planning on tampering much with his starting line-up despite having the big one coming against Stellenbosch in Durban in a weeks' time.
Having had the likes of Thalente Mbatha and Relebohile Mofokeng back in the starting line-up in the previous match against Polokwane City on Tuesday, after they started on the bench in last weekend's match against Jwaneng Galaxy in the CAF Champions League, the Bafana Bafana duo is likely to start again on Sunday.
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Meanwhile, Bucs have the likes of Tapelo Xoki and Paseka Mako nearing a return to fitness after recovering from their respective injuries although they are unlikely to affect Riveiro's decision in selecting his starting line-up.
Predicted Pirates line-up: Sipho Chaine, Deano van Rooyen, Thabiso Sesane, Olisa Ndah, Deon Hotto, Monnapule Saleng, Thalente Mbatha, Patrick Maswanganyi, Makhehleni Makhaula, Relebohile Mofokeng, Tshegofatso Mabasa.
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