Shandu returns to Orlando Amstel Arena, Pedersen back for Pirates
Bandile Shandu walks back into Orlando Amstel Arena tonight — same pitch, same noise, different shirt.
Five seasons in black and white. Now he lines up for Durban City, back at Esigodini with one job: spoil the party. The 31-year-old right-back was released by Pirates at the end of last season and took the short road home to the Citizens. Thursday night is personal.
City arrive chasing another scalp in the Betway Premiership. Pirates arrive chasing the gap.
Bucs supporters get the boost they wanted: Norwegian striker Sebastian Pedersen is back on the team sheet after missing recent games. He starts on the bench. So does exciting youngster Mpho Padime. Up front, Yanela Mbuthuma leads the line.
Assistant coach Rayaan Jacobs kept it simple in the club’s pre-match video: “Tomorrow, we go again.” He also made the warning clear — this will be a tough contest, and Durban City’s defensive discipline and competitiveness will have to be broken down.
No free points. Not against this lot. Not with an old Buccaneer in their back line.
Pirates XI (4-3-3): Chaine — Ndaba, Sebelebele, Sibisi, Seema — Mthiyane, Mokobodi, Masilela — Kgositsile, Moremi, Mbuthuma
Subs: Dladla, Mabuza, Padime, Zulu, Pedersen, Selepe, Rapoo, Nemtajela, Appollis
Durban City XI (4-3-3): Asare — Mokone, Shandu, Msomi, Ncanana — Poggenpoel, Gcaba, Sanger — Jurgens, Sirino, Lubumba
Subs: Dreyer, Maseko, Brooks, Papier, Domingo, Green, Morris, Mthembu, Nodada
Kick-off: 19:30 at Orlando Amstel Arena. Home crowd. Old faces. Three points on the table.
