Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro’s selection for his Nedbank Cup final team will be done minus suspensions following the return of Thalente Mbatha and Nkosinathi Sibisi.
Mbatha missed the game against Golden Arrows on Tuesday due to a one-match suspension after picking up four yellow cards.
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Then with Sibisi, he didn’t play the last two after being sent off against Sekhukhune United.
The 29-year-old has been key for Pirates at the back, piling up 36 appearances, and is expected back in the starting XI on Saturday, just like Mbatha.
The latter has played 38 games and broken into the Bafana Bafana squad this season.
While Sibisi and Mbatha missed the win against Arrows due to suspensions, Riveiro will also have Sipho Chaine, Deon Hotto, Evidence Makgopa, Mohau Nkota, and Relebohile Mofokeng all back starting.
Makgopa will be in contention with Tshegofatso Mabasa for the number nine starting position in the final.
Against Arrows, Chaine and Mofokeng were rested, while Hotto and Makgopa were unused substitutes, with Nkota and Mabasa coming on from the bench.
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Pirates gave minutes to non-regulars Melusi Buthelezi, Yanga Madiba, Karim Kimvuidi, Boitumelo Radiopane, Bandile Shandu, Simphiwe Selepe, and Siyabonga Ndlozi in the 2-1 win and none are expected to start on Saturday.
After the Nedbank Cup final, the Houghton-based outfit have games against Arrows (May 13), TS Galaxy (May 17), SuperSport United (May 20), AmaZulu FC (May 24), and Magesi FC (May 28).
