New faces likely to debut for Orlando Pirates against Marumo Gallants
Orlando Pirates are set to debut new players Masindi Nemtajela, Sinoxolo Kwayiba, and Nkosikhona Ndaba against Marumo Gallants, aiming to bounce back from their recent Betway Premiership loss to Sekhukhune United. Seen here: Masindi Nemtajela is in line for his Orlando Pirates debut against his former club. Picture: Thabo Khumalo/BackpagePix
Image: Thabo Khumalo/BackpagePix
There would have been little time to dwell on their opening Betway Premiership defeat to Sekhukhune United over the weekend, but it may just give Orlando Pirates the chance to explore the depth in their squad.
Over their first two matches of the season, Pirates have already handed debuts to Sipho Mbule, Oswin Appollis, Tshepho Mashiloane and Kamogelo Sebelebele.
Of course, Pirates were victorious in their first outing of the new season with their 2-0 win over Polokwane City in the MTN8 just under two weeks ago.
Now, Pirates face Marumo Gallants at Seisa Ramabodu Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday evening in the league.
Potential New Faces in the Match Day Squad: Masindi Nemtajela, Sinoxolo Kwayiba, and Nkosikhona Ndaba
The club itself said on its website: “There could be more new faces in the match day squad with Masindi Nemtajela and Sinoxolo Kwayiba both yet to feature, while Nkosikhona Ndaba inched closer to a competitive appearance when he was included on the bench against Babina Noko.”
New coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has insisted the players will be able to play with renewed freedom during their campaign.
Pirates finished second to Mamelodi Sundowns last season, as the Brazilians claimed their eighth league title in a row.
Though it’s difficult to see any SA side challenging Sundowns for the league title in the near future, it’s widely believed that Pirates are their closest challengers.
Their loss to Sekhukhune though, would have come as a heavy blow.
It was a particularly bitter result for Pirates as they were completely dominant in every aspect of the game, with the exception that they could not find a goal.
Hosts Pirates had 13 shots on goal to the six of Sekhukhune, 67% of the ball and completed 507 passes to the 254 of the visitors at Orlando Stadium.