Pirates inspired by Confederation Cup run
…to face Chippa United today
ORLANDO Pirates will continue their bid for a top-two finish in the DStv Premiership when they entertain Chippa United at the Orlando Stadium today. The Buccaneers, who booked their passage to the CAF Confederation Cup semi-finals this past weekend with a 4-3 penalty shootout win over Tanzania’s Simba, trail Royal AM by six points in fifth place, with a game in hand. Pirates were last in domestic action a fortnight ago when they dropped two crucial points in a goalless draw against rock-bottom Baroka in Polokwane following back-to-back wins against SuperSport United and Sekhukhune United. The Soweto giants will look to use their success on the African stage as a springboard to push for CAF Champions League football in the final five games of the season. Bucs co-coach Mandla Ncikazi revealed after their victory over Simba that Paseka Mako is unlikely to make his comeback this term following his nasty collision with goalkeeper Richard Ofori against Bakgaga. The left-back was knocked unconscious and left the pitch in an ambulance, but didn’t sustain any serious injuries, and was present for the clash with the Tanzanian club at the Orlando Stadium on Sunday.
“I’m grateful,” Ncikazi said. “He is recovering. God is good. It could have been worse. But I don’t think we will see him [play] again this season. I’m just happy that he is alive and healthy, and will play football again.”
Chippa bolstered their survival hopes with a 1-0 victory over Stellenbosch in Gqeberha last week to go two points clear of the bottom two in 12th position.
Players to watch: Orlando Pirates
Kwame Peprah: The Ghanaian youngster netted the winner against Simba on Sunday to take their quarter-final tie to penalties, which Pirates went on to win 4-3. Peprah has now scored seven goals in all competitions this season, with five of them coming in the league, and he’ll be hoping to snap a three-game goal drought in midweek.
Deon Hotto: The Namibian winger remains the Buccaneers’ leading scorer in the top-flight this term with six goals, and has been involved in another three from his 24 appearances, having missed just one game all season. Hotto has already improved on his tally of four goals from his debut campaign at Mayfair and will be looking to get on the scoresheet against Chippa, who have kept just two clean sheets this year.
Chippa United
Eva Nga Bienvenu: The Cameroonian striker has enjoyed a productive second season with the Chilli Boys, reaching double figures in goals to better his tally of five last term. He scored his 10th goal of the campaign against Kaizer Chiefs earlier this month, and will be keen to add their Soweto rivals to his list.
Lloyd Kazapua: The Namibian keeper is in favour with Kurt Lentjies, having started the last six matches in goal for the Eastern Cape outfit after not featuring at all prior to that this term. He made a couple of vital saves against Stellenbosch last time out to preserve his clean sheet, and could prove key to keeping Bucs at bay.