Pirates Drop Mbatha and Sibisi, Fix Hotto Experiment for Sekhukhune Clash
Abdeslam Ouaddou has shaken up his Orlando Pirates team, and two key men are missing entirely.
The defending champions host Sekhukhune United in the Carling Knockout quarterfinal at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).
Neither midfielder Thalente Mbatha nor captain Nkosinathi Sibisi is in the matchday squad, and the club has not said why.
After the Soweto Derby win, Ouaddou took responsibility for playing first-choice left-back Deon Hotto on the opposite flank. It backfired, and he has now reversed it.
Ghampani Lungu starts at right-back, with Hotto, Sbangani Zulu and Lebone Seema completing the back four. Sipho Chaine keeps his place in goal.
Thapelo Mokobodi anchors the midfield with Simphiwe Selepe and Simphiwe Masilela. Up front, goals are expected from Tshepang Moremi, Mpho Padime and Yanela Mbuthuma.
Sifiso Luthuli is on the bench for the first time since his promotion to the senior team earlier this season.
Pirates XI: Chaine, Lungu, Hotto, Zulu, Seema, Selepe, Mokobodi, Masilela, Moremi, Padime, Mbuthuma
Subs: Dladla, Sigomoshe, Derbyshire, Rapoo, Kgositsile, Mthiyane, Mmolai, Appollis, Luthuli
