As Orlando Pirates prepare to host Mamelodi Sundowns at Orlando Stadium, Soccer Laduma looks at how both sides could lineup when they meet in the MTN8 first leg semi-final.
Both sides had players who were away on international duty and it appears that those players are all available to take part in the action this weekend in Orlando.
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The Buccaneers have been solid at the back since the appointment of Jose Riveiro as coach, conceding just three goals in the Premiership so far. One of the players who has been important at the back for the Soweto giants is Nkosinathi Sibisi, who was part of the Bafana squad for the international friendlies against Sierra Leone and Botswana. Captain Innocent Maela has been solid as a left-sided centre back and could be given that role to take care of the Sundowns attackers.
Upfront, Zakhele Lepasa is someone coach Riveiro is confident in and could give him a start ahead of Eva Nga, though new man Kermit Erasmus is also an option.
Sundowns, meanwhile, have Ronwen Williams in goal and he has settled in well since making his official debut against Cape Town City. Grant Kekana recently made a return to the team and could start in central defence alongside Rushine de Reuck.
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Andile Jali is slowly building a solid partnership with Teboho Mokoena in midfield and the coach could go with that combination, while Sipho Mbule is someone who is fighting for his place in the first 11.
Possible line-ups
Pirates: Ofori, Shandu, Xoki, Sibisi, Maela, Hotto, Timm, Monare, Pule, Dlamini, Lepasa
Sundowns: Williams, Mudau, De Reuck, Kekana, Modiba, Jali, Mokoena, Mbule, Zwane, Allende, Shalulile
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