Orlando Pirates can reclaim second spot in the DStv Premiership standings from arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs with a win against Swallows FC in a Soweto Derby on Tuesday.
Teams: Swallows v Orlando Pirates
Date: 14 December 2021
Venue: Dobsonville Stadium
Time: 19h30
Pirates are playing good football but their achilles heel has been putting the ball in the back of the net. However, they did show more cutting edge in Saturday's 2-0 victory over TS Galaxy with Bandile Shandu and Collins Makgaga getting on the scoresheet.
The Bucanneers have also been boosted by the return of some key players from injury. Happy Jele, Tshegofatso Mabasa and Thembinkosi Lorch are back up and running. Mabasa and Lorch came off the bench against Galaxy with Lorch particularly impressive on his return.
It is the perfect tonic just at the right time for the Sea Robbers, who will play their third game in just eight days against the Birds.
Brandon Truter was sacked as Swallows coach after the 3-1 defeat to Kaizer Chiefs on 28 November with Dylan Kerr taking the reins and the former Black Leopards and Baroka FC coach has sparked a mini-resurgence with four points from the three games he has taken charge of.
However, Kerr's men still sit precariously just above the relegation zone in 14th and only two points off the bottom, having played a game more than Chippa United and Baroka below them.
Swallows: 31. February, 5. Letlabika, 28. Sasman, 27. Matlaba, 44. Langerman, 9. Mokoena, 21. Margeman, , Mahlatsi, 10. Saleng, 35. Makgalwa, 12. Gamildien
Subs: 17. Ngobeni, 14. Thibedi, 45. Nene, 20. Musonda, 22. Ndlovu, 47. Wambi, 2. Sibiya, 29. Muwowo, 24. Basadien.
Pirates: 40. Mpontshane, 5. Nyauza, 49. Ndah, 26. Shandu, 29. Mako, 16. Monare, 15. Makaringe, 11. Hotto, 3. Lorch, 27. Dzvukamanja, 46. Peprah
Subs: 30. Sandilands, 43. Radiopane, 34. Mngonyama, 28. Makhubela, 23. Maela, 20. Mosele, 19. Sam, 18. Dlamini, 7. Mhango.
