Vincent Pule of Orlando Pirates challenges Andile Jali of Mamelodi Sundowns during Absa Premiership match between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns on 15 January 2020 at Orlando Stadium, Pic BackpagePix
Mamelodi Sundowns 0-0 Orlando Pirates: As it happened
The league restarts on Tuesday with a clash between titans.
Vincent Pule of Orlando Pirates challenges Andile Jali of Mamelodi Sundowns during Absa Premiership match between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns on 15 January 2020 at Orlando Stadium, Pic BackpagePix
Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates restart the season with a highly-anticipated fixture at Dobsonville Stadium, and the respective men at the helm have named their starting XIs.
The hosts have already had a run out over the weekend, booking their spot in the Nedbank Cup final, while their opponents play their first competitive fixture in five months.
Injury news
At a virtual press conference held on the eve of the fixture, Pirates coach Josef Zinnbauer reported a clean bill of health. His Sundowns counterpart Pitso Mosimane, however, is a few members of his squad short.
According to an update issued out by the hosts, at least three players are unavailable for selection, due to injury.
The midfield duo of Aubrey Ngoma and Sammy Seabi are both battling thigh injuries, while defender Anele Ngcongca is out with a back injury. All three did not take part in the cup semifinal clash against Bidvest Wits over the weekend.
Notable absentees
The Tshwane giants will also be without Gaston Sirino, who is still serving a suspension. This has opened up an opportunity for Sphelele Mkhulise to get another run in the starting XI, while Lyle Lakay and Keletso Makgalwa also get a start.
Waiting on the bench is Sibusiso Vilakazi, who could be used to provide fresh legs later on in the game, along with youngsters such as Promise Mkhuma and Nicholus Lukhubeni.
Zinnbauer has gone with more of the tried and tested, but with a couple of notable absentees in his matchday squad.
Reigning PSL Player of the Season Thembinkosi Lorch has not been included, along with Zambian international Justin Shonga.
On the bench, Nkanyiso Zungu, who arrived from Stellenbosch in January will be looking to make his Pirates debut, while the likes of Xola Mlambo and Tshegofatso Mabasa will hope to get a rare run out on the field.
The game kicks off at 18:00 (SAST).
Follow live scores below:
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Orlando Pirates starting XIs
Mamelodi Sundowns
Starting XI: Denis Onyango, Lebogang Maboe, Mosa Lebusa, Ricardo Nascimento, Motjeka Madisha, Rivaldo Coetzee, Sphelele Mkhulise, Hlompho Kekana (captain), Lyle Lakay, Themba Zwane, Keletso Makgalwa.
Subs: Kennedy Mweene, Sibusiso Vilakazi, Promise Mkhuma, Tiyani Mabunda, Jose Ali Meza, Andile Jali, Tebogo Langerman, Nicholus Lukhubeni, Wayne Arendse.
Orlando Pirates
Starting XI: 30. Wayne Sandilands, 23. Innocent Maela, 4. Happy Jele (captain), 5. Ntsikelelo Nyauza, 44. Abel Mabaso, 45. Vincent Pule, 6. Ben Motshwari, 15. Fortune Makaringe, 29. Paseka Mako, 7. Gabadinho Mhango, 17. Augustine Mulenga.
Subs: 1. Joris Delle, 27. Bulelani Ndengane, Nkanyiso Zungu, 32. Linda Mntambo, 20. Xola Mlambo, 11. Luvuyo Memela, 18. Kabelo Dlamini, 34. Thabiso Monyane, 16. Tshegofatso Mabasa.
