Orlando Pirates’ fanatical supporters across Mzansi will still be reeling from a surprise Carling Knockout defeat. However, there are reasons to be optimistic.
Upcoming Fixtures for Orlando Pirates
After a surprise defeat to Magesi in the Carling Knockout, Pirates must dust themselves down and get back to basics in the Betway Premiership. They’ve also got some enticing Caf Champions League clashes on the horizon.
- AmaZulu (H) – 25 October, 19:30 kickoff
- TS Galaxy (A) – 29 October, 19:30 kickoff
- Stellenbosch (H) – 10 November, 15:30 kickoff
- Belouizdad (A) – 26 November, kickoff time TBC
- Gallants (A) – 03 December, 19:30 kickoff
- Al Ahly (H) – 06 December, kickoff time TBC
Recapping Pirates’ shock Carling Knockout defeat to Magesi
Jose Riveiro’s cup specialists are out of the Carling Knockout after a surprise 2-3 defeat to PSL newcomers Magesi. The Sea Robbers have won three consecutive MTN8 crowns and consecutive Nedbank Cups but the Carling Knockout remains a problem tournament. Kabelo Dlamini scored an 86th-minute consolation and a late Magesi own goal made things interesting in stoppage time but the underdogs held on for a huge win. Patrick Maswanganyi had the ball in the net in the 95th minute but his goal was correctly chalked off for offside.
Pirates starting XI vs Magesi: Chaine; Van Rooyen, Sesane, Sibisi, Hotto; Rasebotja, Dlamini; Mofokeng, Kimvuidi, Saleng; Mabasa.
Subs: Buthelezi, Maela, Monyane, Ndlondlo, Maswanganyi, Nkota, Moleleki, Gilberto, Makgopa.
The Bafana contingent is strong
Even with Thalente Mbatha missing the two recent clashes with Congo, Hugo Broos will lean heavily on the Orlando Pirates players in his squad. Sipho Chaine is a strong backup goalkeeping option although he started against South Sudan. Talented 24-year-old operator Thabiso Sesane is enjoying a storming start to the season in the centre of defence for the Buccaneers and is now a viable option for his country too. Teenager Relebohile Mofokeng will be a star for club and country for many years and there’s also the option of talented left-footed Patrick Maswanganyi. Central defender Nkosinathi Sibisi will also fancy his chances of forcing his way back into the Bafana side if he can do so for Pirates. New signing Deano van Rooyen will also be a candidate for the right-back slot for Bafana before long. There’s also the curious situation with Evidence Makgopa and Tshegofatso Mabasa.
Will Pirates still win a treble under Jose Riveiro this season?
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