Orlando Pirates latest team news ahead of Simba clash!

When Orlando Pirates meet Simba SC at Orlando Stadium this evening, it will be make-or-break time in the CAF Confederation Cup.

Following last weekend’s setback in Dar es Salam, the Buccaneers will have to overcome a 0-1 deficit if they are to advance to the competition’s last four.

Off-field controversy clouded last weekend’s encounter, with Orlando Pirates co-coach Mandla Ncikazi detailing the appalling conditions his team faced in Tanzania.

Given that a place in the semi-final is on the line, this will definitely heighten the intensity! The Buccaneers will be trying to improve on their performance from previous season, when they were eliminated at the same level.

The hosts are going to be without defender Paseko Mako, who has been declared out for the rest of the season after colliding with Richard Ofori in a horrific clash.

The Orlando Pirates will also be without attacker Terrence Dzvukamanja, but the good news is that Vincent Pule has returned to health months after suffering a knee injury while on international duty.

Due to immigration concerns, Simba SC will be without Pirates striker Bernard Morrison, as well as Hassan Dilunga, who is injured.

You should be ashamed of yourselves! – Ncikazi

“I’m not happy about what happened today, firstly as Africans we should change the mentality that whenever another team visits your country.” Orlando Pirates co-coach Mandla Ncikazi said after the first leg.

They have to receive every bit of hostility and treat them like animals. This is a game of sport that should unite us and build relationships.

“But we have received the opposite while we are here and everyone here should be ashamed of themselves. The rules stipulate that VAR was to be used in this match, but it was not used once.

“Simba received a penalty that wasn’t supposed to be while a few moments before that Orlando Pirates were denied a legitimate penalty because all of a sudden the VAR is switched off.

“But listen to this, we’re going to treat Simba with decency when they come. We’re going to show them what it is to be a true African by giving them the best hospitality and treating them like human beings.

“You don’t treat visitors the way we get treated here. You should all be ashamed. Orlando Pirates did not deserve to lose; the officials caused us to lose.”