Bucs look to Tlou magic for Cup success
Orlando Pirates will welcome back their speedy winger Tlou Segolela in their Nedbank Cup semifinal clash against Black Aces at Orlando Stadium on Saturday night.
Segolela missed the 1-1 draw to Santos, prompting media speculation he could be at odds with his coach Ruud Krol. However, the Pirates boss shot down such reports and praised “Speedy Gonzalez” for his hard work at training.
“Tlou needed to overcome his back pain and have his mind and body rested before he could be re-called to the squad,” Krol told the club’s official website.
Although Krol could not confirm if the player would start the match against Amazayoni, he praised Tlou, saying that he looks sharp on the ball and is training exceptionally well.
“It is still early to tell if he will start the match, but I am happy to see him back and working hard. Sometimes players need to rest both physically and mentally and I think it was good for Tlou because he looks good at training,” Krol said.
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa will be available for selection after serving a two-match suspension for a red card.
“I am happy that I have served my punishment and I am available for selection against Aces on Saturday,” Meyiwa told OrlandoPiratesfc.com. “It feels great to be back and I am hoping for a positive return.
“We are playing against a team that has nothing to lose. Secondly, they have beaten us before which means they’ll come to Orlando Stadium with the belief of repeating this feat. Our job will be crush that dream and win the match because there is no place for second best.”
The Pirates technical team is said to make a late decision on defender Rooi Mahamutsa. The centre-back is doubtful as he struggles to shake off a thigh injury that forced him out of the team’s full training sessions this week. Instead he has been doing light training under the watchful eye of the medical team, who continue to monitor his progress.
Mahamutsa was due to undergo a late fitness test on Friday before being cleared to face Amazayoni in the all-important cup clash.