Pirates boosted by Moremi return ahead of Sekhukhune league test

Orlando Pirates could welcome back attacking option Moremi when they face Sekhukhune United in the league at Orlando Amstel Arena on Tuesday (19h30), just days before the sides meet again in the second leg of their MTN8 semi-final.

Pirates take a 1-0 away advantage into Saturday’s deciding cup fixture after securing victory in the first leg over the weekend. However, their immediate attention is on the league meeting, which forms the second of three encounters with Babina Noko in the space of a week.

The two teams will return to Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday for the second leg, with a place in the MTN8 final at stake. For now, though, Pirates will be focused on avoiding another setback against an opponent that has proved difficult to overcome in recent league meetings.

Sekhukhune United caused frustration for Pirates when they visited Orlando at the same stage last season. The visitors restricted the home side effectively, leaving Pirates disappointed in what was their first league match of the campaign.

The recent league record between the clubs also underlines the challenge facing Pirates. Excluding cup matches, Sekhukhune have beaten Pirates three times and drawn once in their past five league encounters. That run ensures their threat remains significant despite Pirates’ first-leg victory.

For Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, having as many attacking options as possible will therefore be important. Moremi has missed the club’s past two matches because of injury, having scored in each of his two previous appearances.

The 25-year-old has averaged one goal every three appearances, and his growing contribution has helped earn him recognition at international level with the Bafana Bafana squad.

Ouaddou said after the first leg that the club had taken a cautious approach with the forward’s injury.

“For Morremi, you know that he got a knock and we wanted to protect him, and I hope to have him for the next game (against Sekhukhune).

” So, we wanted to protect him,” noted Ouaddou over the weekend.

Moremi’s possible return would give Pirates another attacking choice as they attempt to manage a demanding run of fixtures against the same opposition. The first meeting of the week produced a narrow advantage for the home side, but the league contest will offer Sekhukhune an immediate opportunity to respond before the teams settle the cup tie on Saturday.

Pirates will also be aware that their positive MTN8 result has not erased the difficulties they have experienced against Sekhukhune in the league. With the two sides meeting three times in quick succession, Ouaddou’s selection decisions could prove influential in maintaining momentum across both competitions.