Orlando Pirates will clash with Al Ahly in a crucial CAF Champions League Group C encounter on Saturday at Orlando Stadium. This match comes after Pirates’ promising start, with a 2-1 victory over CR Belouizdad. Meanwhile, Al Ahly secured an impressive 4-2 win against Stade d’Abidjan in Cairo, setting up an exciting contest between the two sides.

Orlando Pirates Injury Update: Optimism for Pirates

Ahead of this high-stakes match, Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro provided a positive injury update. In a recent interview, he revealed that the team has 36 players available for selection, which is an encouraging sign for the squad’s depth and preparedness.

Notably, even players with long-term injuries are making progress, with only four players still unavailable.

Riveiro expressed confidence in his squad’s fitness, stating:

“Everybody is really fit, everybody is really pushing this week to be part of the 20, to be part of the starting XI, and that’s good news for the team.”

This news is a relief for Pirates fans, especially following the team’s recent defeat to Stellenbosch in the Premier Soccer League, which emphasized the need for a strong performance in the CAF Champions League.

Key Players and Tactical Insights

The return of Monnapule Saleng to training has added another layer of optimism for the Sea Robbers. With the team’s core group fit and pushing for selection, Riveiro will have a wide range of options to deploy against the Egyptian giants. His strategy will likely be aimed at exploiting Al Ahly’s weaknesses while maintaining a strong defensive line and capitalising on counter-attacks.

The stakes for this match are high. A win would not only boost the team’s morale after their domestic setback but also strengthen their position in Group C, boosting their chances of progressing further in the tournament. This game promises to be an intense battle, with both sides aiming for supremacy in African club football.

Conclusion

Orlando Pirates are set to go into their showdown against Al Ahly with a relatively healthy squad, offering Riveiro the luxury of choice for his starting lineup. With 36 players training and the long-term injuries improving, the Sea Robbers are well-positioned to challenge the African record champions. Fans can expect a thrilling encounter, as Pirates seek to build on their opening win and make a statement in the CAF Champions League.