Orlando Pirates have confirmed that defenders Tapelo Xoki and Paseko Mako will remain sidelined for their upcoming MTN8 Cup match against SuperSport United.
Pirates have entered the new season with high hopes after a successful pre-season in Spain, bolstered by several new signings for the 2024/25 campaign.
Among the fresh faces are Gilberto, Selaelo Rasebotja, and Thalante Mbatha, with Rasebotja and Mbatha having joined from SuperSport United, their opponents for the weekend.
Head coach Jose Riveiro, speaking through the club’s official website on Friday, stated that both Mako and Xoki were still recovering from injuries sustained last season.
In their absence, captain Innocent Maela and Deon Hotto are expected to cover the left-back position. For the centre-back roles, Riveiro could rely on Thabiso Sesane, Sandile Mthethwa, and Nkosanthi Sibisi to partner with Olisa Ndah.
Reflecting on the 2023/24 season, Pirates and United last faced off at the same venue, ending their league match in a 1-1 draw. Tshegofatso Mabasa had given Pirates the lead with a 41st-minute goal, but Gape Moralo equalised for United in the second half.
The rivalry between the two teams has always been intense, with the Buccaneers narrowly leading the head-to-head with five wins to four in their last 12 encounters.
However, SuperSport has the upper hand in recent knockout competitions, having won the last four cup games against Pirates.
The two sides are set to meet again at Orlando Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
kick-off scheduled for 18:00.
🏴☠️ MATCH-DAY 🏴☠️
— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) August 3, 2024
🏆 #MTN8 QuarterFinal
🆚 @SuperSportFC
⏲️ 18H00
📺 @SuperSportTV pic.twitter.com/lckPOZjdyl
