Orlando Pirates and Maritzburg United have announced their starting line-ups for this evening’s DStv Premiership encounter at Orlando Stadium.
Despite dropping points against Mamelodi Sundowns before the Nedbank Cup break, the Buccaneers still have a chance to qualify for CAF Champions League as they only sit four points away second-placed SuperSport United.
However, anything less than three points this evening won’t be enough for a team with their ambitions.
Pirates, though, will be without Jose Riveiro on the sidelines after he was suspended in their 2-0 Nedbank Cup last-32 win against All Stars.
Riveiro’s suspension will lead to Mandla Ncikazi and Fadlu Davids – last year’s co-head coaches at Pirates – meet on the sidelines.
The Team of Choice are winless in three successive games in all competitions after picking up three successive wins to climb off the foot of the table.
They now sit in second from bottom with 21 points from 19 games and need every point they can pick up, having the Sea Robbers in the reverse fixture.
Orlando Pirates are coming as favourites to this game, as Maritzburg United last won at Orlando Stadium in December 2014.
Here is how they line up:
Pirates XI: Chaine, Xoki, Maela, Mako, Shandu, Hotto, Ndlondlo, Timm, Saleng, Lorch, Dzvukamanja.
Subs: Mpontsahen, Mthethwa, Monyane, Makhaula, Dlamini, Pule, Motshwari, Erasmus, Marou.
Maritzburg Utd XI: Leaner, Bhengu, De Goede, Palace, Cross, Human, Moloisane, Jooste, Njoti, Loukouna, Peprah.
Subs: Ndlovu, Ndengane, Samu, Meza, Makuma, Zuma, Kimvuidi, Tlolane, Conco
