On Friday evening, Orlando Pirates will have a chance to redeem themselves in the Original Soweto derby against Swallows FC at Dobsonville Stadium. Pirates lost for the second time in three league matches after a last-gasp own goal by Olisa Ndah gave rivals Kaizer Chiefs a 1-0 win and extended their winning streak in the league Soweto derbies to five matches. The Buccaneers remain third on the log with a superior goal difference over Richards Bay and Chiefs.
Pirates will be without captain Innocent Maela due to suspension after he was sent off against Amakhosi while fellow defender Nkosinathi Sibisi is also ruled out owing to the accumulation of yellow cards. Swallows, meanwhile, will be in a good mood after winning two of their last three matches after edging Chippa United 2-1 last weekend. The Birds boosted their chances of survival, as they pulled three points clear of the relegation play-off spot in 14th place on the log.
Ernst Middendorp will also not be able to call upon two key defenders, as Pirates loanee Bongani Sam and Keegan Allan are suspended after they were both sent off in a 2-0 loss to Cape Town City. Confirmed line-ups for the match are as follows:
Swallows FC: 31. Mbanjwa, 43. Zulu, 28. Sasman, 2. Sibiya, 44. Mngonyama, 6. Mthethwa, 32. Lukhubeni, 7. Mtshali, 70. T. Macheke, 26. Malinga, 19. Rusike Subs: 55. Akpeyi, 39. Matsheke, 18. Damons, 47. Wambi, 25. Patjie, 49. Ngwenya, 20. Musonda, 23. Shwabula
Orlando Pirates: 34. Chaine, 27. Xoki, 39. Mthethwa, 29. Mako, 36. Makhaula, 4. Timm, 11. Hotto, 14. Saleng, 18. Dlamini, 3. Lorch, 27. Dzvukamanja Subs: 40. Mpontshane, 2. Monyane, 43. Ngiba, 6. Motshwari, 15. Ndlondlo, 45. Pule, 17. Makgopa, 95. Erasmus, 32. Marou
The Original Soweto derby between Orlando Pirates and Swallows FC will take place on Friday, 03 March at Dobsonville Stadium. The Buccaneers are looking to redeem themselves after suffering a 1-0 loss to Kaizer Chiefs in their last match, while the Birds are in good spirits after winning two of their last three matches. Both teams will be without key players due to suspensions, making for an exciting match with plenty of surprises.
