Orlando Pirates have been on a good run recently, especially in the Caf Champions League where they topped Group C without tasting defeat.
This season, they have done arguably well by winning the MTN8 and pushing hard for the Premier Soccer League title.
They will play Richards Bay on Sunday in the Nedbank Cup's Round of 16 game that will be staged at the King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium in Durban. Bucs are keen on defending their crown.
Recent Form & Head-to-Head Record
The Natal Rich Boys have been lukewarm this season across all competitions.They have one win in the last five matches, three losses, and a draw.
The Buccaneers have won four out of the last five games in all tournaments, meaning they are riding high in confidence.
In the head-to-head record, Pirates were eliminated by Richards Bay in the initial stage of the Carling Knockout. In the four subsequent meetings, Bucs have managed to get two wins, a loss, and a draw against their Sunday opponents.
What They Said
“We have to switch our minds and understand that we're playing a final. If you want to win the Nedbank Cup, you have to play finals every day from the first game,” Pirates coach Jose Riveiro said ahead of the game.
“Bay are a difficult team but at the same time, we are happy to start our time in the Nedbank Cup. We have nice memories of this competition in the last two seasons. We have a difficult task ahead of us to defend the title one more time, but it's something nice.”
Richards Bay caretaker coach Ronnie Gabriel believes his team has what it takes to eliminate the Sea Robbers after recent successes.
“We know that Pirates are a team on the up and they are in good form. However, if you look at our previous games against them, we always give them a good competitive fixture. We always give them something to think about.
“Last year we went to Orlando and we beat them there on their home ground. So, we fancy our chances going into this fixture. We are not intimidated by the opposition as much as we respect them. We believe that we have a squad capable of handling Pirates on the day.”
Team News and Starting XI
Richards Bay are set to be without the suspended duo Justice Figareido and Moses Mthembu. There are no injury news, ahead of the fixture, especially to key players meaning the technical team has the privilege to field the best it can.
Bucs will miss the services of Nkosinathi Sibisi who is suspended while Thabiso Monyane is nursing a hamstring injury. The game comes too early for Olisa Ndah and Goodman Mosele who have returned to training from injuries.
Richards Bay Probable XI: Magoola, Mcineka, Allan, Ndaba, Mthethwa, Mabuya, Gumede, Zikhali, Ntsundwana, Radebe, Mbuthuma
Pirates Probable XI: Chaine, Xoki, Van Rooyen, Hotto, Makhaula, Maswanganyi, Mbatha, Sesane, Nkota, Mabasa, Mofokeng
Where to Watch
The match will kick off at 15.00 hours and will be live on SuperSport's Premier Soccer League TV Channel 202.
