Orlando Pirates are set to be boosted with the return of two key players for their upcoming match – the eagerly-awaited Soweto derby.
The Buccaneers, who have progressed to the Last 16 of the Nedbank Cup following their 3-1 victory over Richards Bay FC at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday, will host perennial rivals Kaizer Chiefs this weekend.
Read: Maswanganyi's Brace Keeps Pirates' NBK Cup Defence Alive
This will be the first time the two giants of South African football play each other this season when they take to the FNB Stadium on Saturday, with their second-round clash scheduled for the same venue in May.
Meanwhile, Chiefs have also advanced to the next round of the Nedbank Cup following their comfortable 4-0 win over Free Agents FC at FNB Stadium yesterday, which makes for increased excitement levels about the Soweto derby.
Against Richards Bay, Pirates had Melusi Buthelezi in goals while young Siyabonga Dladla sat on the reserves' bench and questions were asked from some sections of the supporters about the goalkeeping changes.
Sipho Chaine was left out of the matchday squad to avoid risking losing him for the Chiefs clash as he is one match away from suspension, having accumulated three yellow cards in the PSL for the campaign.
With Bucs set for arguably their biggest fixture of the calendar year in their next assignment, indications are that Chaine is likely to return to claim the number one jersey as Jose Riveiro and the team will be aiming to reduce the six-point gap between them and leaders Mamelodi Sundowns at the top of the Betway Premiership standings.
Read: Chiefs Assistant Coach Makes Bold Soweto Derby Claim
Pirates had their fixture against Royal AM postponed last Thursday, while Sundowns won their match against Magesi to move six points clear in the title race.
Meanwhile, another key player who is set to return for Ezimnyama is Nkosinathi Sibisi who missed the Natal Rich Boyz match due to suspension for the four yellow cards he accumulated.
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By Masebe Qina
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