Pirates back to full strength for cup final

by Staff Reporter

Wednesday May 07, 2025. 15:00

Orlando Pirates will return to full strength ahead of the Nedbank Cup final against Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday after fielding an inexperienced side in their 2-1 victory over Lamontville Golden Arrows on Tuesday.

Nkosinathi Sibisi is available for the weekend after serving a two-match ban for receiving a red card, as is Thalente Mbatha after serving a one-game suspension for accumulating four yellow cards.

The Buccaneers came from behind to win against Arrows despite being without usual starters Relebohile Mofokeng, who was not on the bench, and Evidence Makgopa, Deon Hotto, and Tshegofatso Mabasa, who were on the bench.

The resting of such pivotal players signals head coach Jose Riveiro’s intent ahead of the Nedbank Cup final, although he had to call on Mabasa, who provided the winning goal for his side.

Only four Pirates players who started in the Soweto Derby at the weekend remained in the starting lineup for their Betway Premiership game against Abafana Bes’thende on Tuesday. Boitumelo Radiopane and Karim Kimvuidi were given their first starts of the season while Melusi Buthelezi started his second game in goal, Simphiwe Selepe made his second appearance for the club, and Yanga Mabida made his senior debut for Pirates on Tuesday.

Kimvuidi was named player of the match in the Bucs 2-1 win over Arrows on Tuesday. The Congolese player has not received much game time this season, only appearing in four of his club’s league fixtures, but certainly made a case for his inclusion in Saturday’s matchday squad.

Pirates will meet their bitter rivals for the third time in 17 years in the Nedbank Cup, where they will be playing for silverware and bragging rights. The final will commence at 3:30pm at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday.

by Nic Gleeson