Orlando Pirates news: Title chase boost, eight players get Afcon calls
Orlando Pirates feel now is their time to win the Betway Premiership title with several stars aligning around them.
Can Orlando Pirates maintain their form?
As per the ever eagle-eyed Eliot Mahlase:
“This weekend, the Buccaneers are not in action having already been eliminated from the Carling KO. That gives Riveiro’s men an extra week to recuperate meaning those players who had niggles and injuries will have time to recover.
During the FIFA break, the coaching staff will have a lot of time with the players to plan for their last eight matches of the year. Luckily, Orlando Pirates have just six players in the national team with the majority of them not starters. The likes of Relebohile Mofokeng, Patrick Maswanganyi and Thalenthe Mbatha might start in one of the two Bafana Bafana matches but the risk of injuries to the players is very slim.
On 26th November, Orlando Pirates travel to Algeria to play CR Belouizdad in the CAF CL. Three days later, they play Stellenbosch in a league clash. A full and well-rested Bucs team should more than likely win those two matches. Given their three-week break, Riveiro’s side should take advantage of their good fortunes this season.”
Eight Pirates players are away with their countries
As many as eight Bucs stars could be in action for their nations over the Afcon break. Six are with the Bafana squad, namely Evidence Makgopa, Patrick Maswanganyi, Relebohile Mofokeng, Sipho Chaine, Thalente Mbatha and Nkosinathi Sibisi. New signing Gilberto is with Angola while reliable utility man Deon Hotto will hope to add to his impressive tally of 65 caps for Namibia.
Fixtures on the horizon
Jose Riveiro’s men have three league encounters to prepare for in the next month and they’ve also got two tasty Caf Champions League clashes on the horizon. The visit of African champions Al Ahly on 06 December is one to get in the diary. There’s also the prospect of a meeting with Bafana and former Cape Town City striker Khanyisa Mayo when Pirates go North to face Belouizdad of Algeria on 26 November.
- Belouizdad vs Pirates: Tue, 26 November, kickoff time TBC
- Pirates vs Stellenbosch: Sat, 30 November, 15:30
- Gallants vs Pirates: Tue, 03 December, 19:30
- Pirates vs Al Ahly: Fri, 06 December, kickoff time TBC
- Pirates vs Golden Arrows: Tue, 10 December, 19:30
Will Pirates claim the title this term?
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