Zakhele Lepasa of Orlando Pirates receives yellow card from referee, Philangenkosi Khumalo, during the 2023 MTN8 quarterfinal match between Orlando Pirates and Sekhukhune United at the Orlando Stadium, Soweto on 12 August 2023
Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro might have a big decision to make on Zakhele Lepasa in preparing for the team’s two important matches this week.
Pirates are scheduled to play against defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns in the league on Wednesday, while the MTN8 second leg semi-final fixture against Stellenbosch FC will follow on Sunday, with both matches set to take place at Orlando Stadium.
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Against Botswana’s Jwaneng Galaxy in the first leg of their CAF Champions League second preliminary round fixture which they lost 1-0 in Gaborone on the weekend, Riveiro made several changes to the line-up as some players were seemingly rested for the clash against high-flying Sundowns.
Lepasa, who is Bucs’ leading goal scorer so far this season with 10 goals from eight appearances in all competitions, is at risk of being suspended should he pick one more yellow card as he is already on three for the season.
Already, the Buccaneers will be without midfielder Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo for the Downs fixture due to suspension after accumulating four yellow cards in domestic competitions in the current campaign.
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Meanwhile, Pirates have confirmed that Vincent Pule has resumed full training after being out of the matchday squads so far this season, owing to injury.
“Meanwhile, Olisa Ndah and Karim Kimvuidi are inching closer to their first involvement this season after appearing as unused subs on Sunday, while midfielder Vincent Pule has resumed full training after missing the early part of the season through injury,” the club confirmed on their official website.
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