ORLANDO Pirates will be hoping to break a four-match winless streak when they host Al Ahly in their Caf Confederation Cup first-leg semi-final match at Orlando Stadium, on Saturday.
The unenviable run of the Soweto Giatns include two defeats (against Bloemfontein Celtic and Zamalek) and two draws (against Mpumalanga Black Aces and Polokwane City). In those four matches the Buccaneers have only been able to find the net two times and have conceded six, reports ANA.
The last time Tinkler and his technical team mustered a victory was over a month ago, in their 2-0 victory over AC Leopards.
Tinkler, however, will be without a number of key players.
In defence,Pirates will be missing Happy Jele and Siyabonga Sangweni who will be serving their respective suspensions.
The Buccaneers will need to rearrange their back four once again from the one that played against Polokwane City recently -also with Edwin Gyimah not available for selection. However, Patrick Phungwayo, Ntsikeleli Nyauza and Ayanda Gcaba will be ready to do duty.
In midfield, there will also be a change as Oupa Manyisa who fractured his ankle in Bucs’ previous league encounter has been ruled out. In his place, Thandani Ntshumayelo, Issa Sarr, Gift Motupa and Menzi Masuku will all be up for selection
It’s a clean bill of health up front with Lehlohonolo Majoro, Kermit Erasmus and Thamsanqa Gabuza available.
While in Zim, Caps United and Highlanders lock horns in a Castle Lager premiership tie at the National Sports Stadium, in Harare on Sunday.
Caps United has won four points from the last two matches, drawing 0-0 with Buffaloes before beating Hwange 1-0.
Also in Zim, Dynamos head coach Tonderai Ndiraya says Sunday’s game against Chicken Inn is a must win game as this could make or break their season.
Dembare take on the Gamecocks who are seven points ahead of them and also sitting on top of the league, knowing a loss could mean relinquishing the title they have held for the past four years. – www.zimsinsa.com
FIXTURES
Saturday: Tsholotsho vs FC Platinum (White City), Flame Lily vs ZPC Kariba, (1pm, Rufaro), Harare City vs Triangle 3pm, Rufaro), Chapungu vs Buffaloes (Ascot)
Sunday: Caps United vs Highlanders (NSS), Chicken Inn vs Dynamos (Barbourfields), Dongo vs Hwange (Vhengere), Whawha vs How Mine
