Changes are expected in the Orlando Pirates line-up as they prepare for a decisive CAF Champions League quarter-final second-leg clash against MC Alger on Wednesday evening at Orlando Stadium.
The Buccaneers hold a slender advantage going into the home fixture, having edged the Algerian outfit 1-0 in the first leg played in Algiers last Tuesday.
Now, with a semi-final spot within touching distance, coach Jose Riveiro is expected to ring the changes once again in a bid to manage his squad and ensure peak performance in what could be a historic moment for the Soweto giants.
Riveiro, who has been instrumental in restoring pride and silverware to Pirates since his arrival in 2022, has earned praise for his strategic squad rotation – particularly during periods of fixture congestion.
Over the weekend, in their narrow 1-0 Betway Premiership win over Polokwane City, several key players were notably absent from the starting line-up, raising eyebrows among the Buccaneers’ faithful.
Regulars such as Deon Hotto, Tapelo Xoki, Kabelo Dlamini, and Tshegofatso Mabasa were all left out of the starting XI, only being introduced in the second half.
While Riveiro did not publicly explain the omissions, it is widely believed the moves were precautionary, aimed at preserving his top stars for the big Champions League encounter.
“It’s about managing the squad for the crucial competitions that the team is involved in. Expect changes again in the line-up for the next match,” a source close to the club revealed.
Should Ezimnyama seal progression to the semi-finals of the continental competition, it would mark another milestone for the Spanish tactician, who has already delivered much joy to the Sea Robbers’ faithful through cup successes and revitalised performances in the PSL and on the continent.
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