Orlando Pirates will be without their star defender Tapelo Xoki for the highly anticipated Nedbank Cup final against Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday. Xoki, who has been a key player for the Buccaneers this season, has been ruled out due to a knee injury.
The 24-year-old Khayelitsha-born defender has been a consistent performer for Pirates, making 30 appearances across all competitions this season[4]. His absence will be a significant blow for the Sea Robbers as they look to secure their second trophy of the season.
In addition to Xoki, Pirates will also be missing several other key players for the final, including Olisa Ndah, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Kabelo Dlamini, Relebohile Mofokeng, and Karim Kimvuidi[1][3]. The absence of these players will undoubtedly impact Pirates’ chances of lifting the trophy.
The Nedbank Cup final is set to be a thrilling encounter between two of South Africa’s biggest clubs. Mamelodi Sundowns, who have already secured the DStv Premiership title, will be looking to add the Nedbank Cup to their trophy cabinet. The Brazilians have been in impressive form this season, and will be the favorites going into the final.
However, Pirates will be determined to upset the odds and secure their second trophy of the season. The Sea Robbers have already won the MTN8 this season, and will be hoping to add the Nedbank Cup to their collection.
The match will be played at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, and is expected to attract a large crowd of passionate supporters from both teams. The atmosphere is sure to be electric, as both teams look to secure bragging rights and add to their trophy cabinets.
Despite the absence of several key players, Pirates will be hoping that their remaining players can step up and deliver a performance worthy of the occasion. The likes of Deon Hotto, Kwame Peprah, and Goodman Mosele will need to be at their best if Pirates are to have any chance of winning the trophy.
Sundowns, on the other hand, will be looking to their star-studded squad to deliver the goods. Players such as Peter Shalulile, Themba Zwane, and Andile Jali will be key to the Brazilians’ chances of winning the trophy.
The match is sure to be a closely contested affair, with both teams determined to come out on top. The absence of Xoki and other key players will undoubtedly impact Pirates’ chances, but the Sea Robbers will be hoping that their remaining players can rise to the occasion and deliver a performance that will be remembered for years to come.
In conclusion, the Nedbank Cup final between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns promises to be a thrilling encounter. While Pirates will be without several key players, including star defender Tapelo Xoki, the Sea Robbers will be determined to upset the odds and secure their second trophy of the season. The match is sure to be a closely contested affair, with both teams determined to come out on top and add to their trophy cabinets.
Citations:
[1] Olisa Ndah, Nkosinathi Sibisi and five key players Orlando Pirates will … https://www.goal.com/en/lists/olisa-ndah-nkosinathi-sibisi-five-key-players-orlando-pirates-will-miss-against-amazulu-in-nedbank-cup-quarter-final/bltfa793983fe7cb4e8
[2] Orlando Pirates star to miss Sundowns final – South African https://www.thesouthafrican.com/sport/soccer/psl-south-africa/orlando-pirates-star-to-miss-sundowns-final/
[3] Four Orlando Pirates Stars To Miss Nedbank Cup Final – The CoverUP https://thecoverup.co.za/four-orlando-pirates-stars-to-miss-nedbank-cup-final/
[4] Key Orlando Pirates defender ruled out of Nedbank Cup final https://www.thesouthafrican.com/sport/soccer/psl-south-africa/key-orlando-pirates-defender-ruled-out-of-nedbank-cup-final/
[5] Official: Bucs Star Ruled Out For The Rest Of The Season | Soccer Laduma https://www.snl24.com/soccerladuma/local/premiership/orlando-pirates/thapelo-xoki-ruled-out-for-the-rest-of-orlando-pirates-season-20240518