Former Orlando Pirates defender Tonic Chabalala has warned the club's head coach, Jose Riveiro, not to overuse some of his key players.
Pirates, who are still competing for the CAF Champions League as well as the Betway Premiership, will visit Richards Bay FC at King Zwelithini Stadium for a Nedbank Cup Last 32 match on Sunday.
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Chabalala believes some of the side's players may need rest after their impressive performance against African football giants Al Ahly in last weekend's Group C clash.
"Pirates have depth, so the coach will need to mix his team well, as the expectations are always high at Pirates," says Chabalala.
"He shouldn't change the entire team, but just mix it up because we still have the Betway Premiership and the Champions League to compete for.
"I trust coach Riveiro very much; whoever raises his hand will play. Each time he makes changes, those who come in fit like a glove, especially the young players.
"He must just rest some of those who did an excellent job against Al Ahly," he continues.
Chabalala says though he is not taking anything away from Richards Bay and new addition to the technical team Papi Zothwane, the KwaZulu-Natal outfit will be up against it.
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"Yes, football can be unpredictable, but I don't think Richards Bay stand a chance on Sunday.
"Pirates are on another level at the moment, and the confidence is high. They recently finished at the top of their group in the Champions League, ahead of Al Ahly."