Orlando Pirates turn their attention back to the Betway Premiership on Tuesday night when they welcome newcomers Orbit College to Orlando Stadium, with both sides eager to climb away from the bottom half of the standings.
For the home side, Deano van Rooyen is again among the doubtful starters after taking no part in cup action on Saturday, having picked up an injury in the previous league game.
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Pirates, however, have been boosted by the imminent return of Olisa Ndah, who is back in training, while captain Nkosinathi Sibisi is still recovering from a knock sustained earlier in the season.
“For the home side, Deano van Rooyen is again among the doubtful starters after he took no part in cup action on Saturday, following an injury sustained in his side’s last league game. Pirates have, however, been boosted by the imminent return of defender Olisa Ndah, who has been back at training while fellow centre-back and captain Nkosinathi Sibisi continues to recover from a knock picked up earlier in the season,” confirmed Pirates on their official website.
The Buccaneers are emerging from a bruising MTN8 semi-final against Mamelodi Sundowns, where they forced a 2-2 aggregate stalemate before holding their nerve in the penalty shootout to book a fourth consecutive appearance in the final.
Having done the business in cup competition, the focus now shifts back to the league, where the Soweto giants are desperate to build momentum.
It has been a sluggish start to the campaign for Abdeslam Ouaddou’s men, who lost their opening two matches to Sekhukhune United and Marumo Gallants before finally breaking their duck last Wednesday against Stellenbosch at Orlando Stadium, where in-form youngster Kamogelo Sebelebele netted the decisive goal.
Currently in 11th position, Pirates are fully aware that they will need maximum points to stay in contention with their ambitions to chase for the title.
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Ezimnyama sit just a spot above Orbit College, separated only by goal difference, making this encounter a crucial six-pointer at this stage of the campaign.
With both teams desperate for points and eager to avoid early-season pressure, all eyes will be on Orlando Stadium to see whether Pirates can assert their dominance at home or if Orbit College can claim a famous scalp on the road.
