Double boost for Orlando Pirates ahead of Nedbank Cup final
Will they defend their crown?
Orlando Pirates could have a key player back for the Nedbank Cup final while there’s uncertainty at Sundowns.
Orlando Pirates could welcome back Hotto for Nedbank Cup final
The latest update from the Pirates website is as follows:
“The Buccaneers could soon be bolstered further by the return of Deon Hotto, who continues his recovery after picking up a knock in the Nedbank Cup semifinal triumph over Chippa United.”
Lucas Ribeiro Costa is a doubt for Sundowns
Brazilian Lucas Ribeiro Costa was substituted after 30 minutes of Sundowns’ recent goalless draw vs Golden Arrows. He’s missed the following four games and is a major doubt for the Nedbank Cup final. Sundowns are still unbeaten in the league with 22 wins and six draws from 28 encounters. Ribeiro has 12 goals in the league this term. The Brazilians’ final two league encounters are away to TS Galaxy and home against Cape Town City. His potential absence would be a big boost for Jose Riveiro’s side.
It’s not all sunny for Pirates and Jose Riveiro
Midfield orchestrator Miguel Timm is a major doubt for the Nedbank Cup final against Sundowns on 1 June after missing the 1-0 defeat to TS Galaxy. Key defender Tapelo Xoki will miss the game after being ruled out for the rest of the campaign. The 29-year-old central defender has made 26 appearances in the league and three in the Nedbank Cup. He’s also grabbed three goals in that competition. Xoki suffered a serious ankle injury in training and needs surgery. Pirates face SuperSport United on the final day of the DStv Premiership season, looking to secure a CAF Champions League place, but they’ll need to claim a better result than Stellenbosch, who meet Richards Bay. Both matches are on Saturday, 25 May at 15:00.
Will The Sea Robbers defend their Nedbank Cup crown, or can Sundopwns usurp them?
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