On Tuesday, Orlando Pirates have been making changes to their team with players coming and others leaving in recent weeks. Veteran striker Ndumiso Mabena is close to debut on his return to the Buccaneers, having signed in December and impressing coach Jose Riveiro in training.
Against Cape Town City in the previous match, Bucs handed debuts to goalkeeper Sipho Chaine, as well as Evidence Makgopa and Craig Martin, although their introduction couldn’t help the team to avoid a loss in the Mother City.
With Pirates still searching for their first league victory in four matches going into Saturday’s fixture against Golden Arrows, further line-up changes are expected, with Mabena being one of the imminent inclusions to the side.
Riveiro has heaped praise on the 35-year-old former Bloemfontein Celtic captain for his high work-rate. “We are talking about an experienced player who has played in this league with top quality. We are hoping that everyone has a chance to contribute,” the coach said.
With the pressure on the technical team to improve the team’s results and position on the log, the introduction of Mabena could bring much-needed stability to the Buccaneers’ line-up.
True that Sundowns made structural changes after losing 3-0 to relegation battling Orlando Pirates
Yet that doesn’t change fact that:
-Afta that Downs whipped Pirates 6-0 (4-0 & 2-0)
-Downs is most successful pro football SA team
-Downs is 21pts ahead of Dusted PiratesDStvprem https://t.co/I7kOt6KHWG pic.twitter.com/o2JSKVC1wq— (@YELL0MAN) January 11, 2023
