Highlands out to humble Pirates

Highlands Park will lock horns with Orlando Pirates in an Absa Premiership match at the Makhulong Stadium on Saturday.

Kick-off is at 8:15 pm.

The Lions of the North are undefeated in their last four league matches, having drawn 1-1 with SuperSport United at home late last month.

The draw saw Highlands climb up to the eighth spot on the league standings with 20 points from 15 games. They are three points behind third-placed SuperSport United.

Meanwhile, Pirates extended their unbeaten run to 11 league games when they thrashed Free State Stars 3-1 away last month, before recording a draw and a win against Namibia's African Stars in the 2018-19 Caf Champions League first round.

As a result, the Buccaneers are second on the league standings with 27 points from 15 games. They are three points behind log leaders, Bidvest Wits.

PREVIOUS STARTING LINE-UPS

Highlands Park: Kapini, Sibande, Mvala, Mokoena, Msimango, Versuur, Mbatha, Motsepe, Shalulile, Sekola, Mbunjana.

Orlando Pirates: Mabokgwane, Jele, Munetsi, Mobara, Maela, Mlambo, Nyatama, Pule, Lorch, Shonga, Mulenga.

WHAT ARE THE TEAMS SAYING?

Highlands Park head coach Owen Da Gama

"We know our ambitions and we have the drive. We understand what we can do and what we cannot do," he said.

"Some players show character, but some fade. It is not good enough. We have to play as a team and fight as a team."

Orlando Pirates captain Happy Jele

"We need to compete in each and every competition we get into and as players," he said.

"So, it’s important that you focus on yourselves and try to get positive results."

HIGHLANDS PARK KEY PLAYERS

Lindokuhle Mbatha: The experienced midfielder grabbed an assist during Highlands' draw against SuperSport United. Mbatha will be eager to play an important role in helping his side win against Pirates.

Moeketsi Sekola: The marksman remains Highlands' first-choice striker despite having scored only one league goal this season. Sekola will look to end his scoring drought and help his side secure a home win.

ORLANDO PIRATES KEY PLAYERS

Linda Mntambo: The central midfielder has slowly established himself as a key player in the Pirates team, having netted against Free State Stars. Mntambo will be keen to score again and help Pirates beat Highlands.

Thembinkosi Lorch: The skilful attacker is having a good season after he scooped Pirates' Player of the Month accolade for November 2018. Lorch has the ability to inspire his side to victory in Tembisa.