Orlando Pirates and Durban City have confirmed their starting line-ups for Thursday evening’s Betway Premiership clash at Orlando Amstel Arena.
Both sides head into the league encounter on the back of victories in continental competition, setting up a meeting between two teams carrying positive momentum into the domestic fixture.
Pirates secured their place in the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League after defeating Mauritian side La Cure Waves 3-1 on Saturday.
Durban City also advanced in Africa, beating Rukinzo 2-1 in Burundi on Sunday to book their place in the second preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup.
The league fixture presents Pirates with an opportunity to close the gap on leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.
The Buccaneers currently trail Sundowns by seven points but have played three matches fewer, leaving them with games in hand as they look to keep pace with the defending champions.
Pirates also enter Thursday’s match with a recent advantage over City, having beaten them 2-1 in the first round of the MTN8 last month.
For the hosts, Chaine starts in goal, with Sibisi, Seema and Ndaba forming the defensive unit.
Sebelebele, Mokobodi, Mthiyane and Masilela occupy the midfield, while Kgositsile and Moremi operate behind Mbuthuma, who leads the attack.
Orlando Pirates XI: Chaine; Sibisi, Seema, Ndaba; Sebelebele, Mokobodi, Mthiyane, Masilela; Kgositsile, Moremi; Mbuthuma.
Durban City, meanwhile, start with Asare between the posts.
Msomi, Mokone, Ncanana and Shandu make up the defence, while Gcaba, Sanger and Poggenpoel are selected in midfield.
Sirino, Jurgens and Lwamba form the attacking trio.
Durban City XI: Asare; Msomi, Mokone, Ncanana, Shandu; Gcaba, Sanger, Poggenpoel; Sirino, Jurgens, Lwamba.
Both teams have strong options on the bench, with Pirates able to call on Appollis, Pedersen and Dladla among others, while City have attacking alternatives including Maseko, Brooks, Domingo and Morris.
With continental progress already secured, attention now turns to the league, where Pirates will look to use their games in hand to put further pressure on the teams above them.
