Orlando Pirates head into their Betway Premiership clash against Marumo Gallants at Free State Stadium this afternoon with a clear mission – securing all three points.
With defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns maintaining a strong lead at the top of the table, the Buccaneers know they cannot afford to drop points if they want to stay in the title race.
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Despite being four games behind Sundowns, Pirates remain determined to close the gap. However, they will have to do so without head coach Jose Riveiro, who is suspended for one match after accumulating his fourth yellow card of the season during the win over Cape Town City las weekend.
The tactician's absence from the dugout will be a setback, but the team will take confidence from their recent performances.
On a positive note, midfielder Kabelo Dlamini is available for selection again after serving his suspension, providing a much-needed boost in the squad.
However, there is concern over Patrick Maswanganyi, who was stretchered off last weekend and remains a slight injury doubt, as confirmed by the club.
Leading the Pirates' attack will be the in-form Tshegofatso Mabasa, who has netted four goals in his last two matches.
Mabasa will look to continue his impressive run, having scored a hat-trick when Pirates thrashed Gallants 8-1 in December.
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With everything at stake, Pirates will be aiming for nothing less than victory as they look to keep their title hopes alive.
Predicted line-up for Pirates:
Sipho Chaine, Deano van Rooyen, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Tapelo Xoki, Deon Hotto, Mohau Nkota, Thalente Mbatha, Makhehleni Makhaula, Kabelo Dlamini, Relebohile Mofokeng, Tshegofatso Mabasa.
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