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modise boosts pirates

THE GLUE: Orlando Pirates playmaker Teko Modise will be in the starting line-up against SuperSport United at the Johannesburg Stadium tomorrow evening. 25/08/2008. © Gallo Images. Pic. Lefty Shivambu.
THE GLUE: Orlando Pirates playmaker Teko Modise will be in the starting line-up against SuperSport United at the Johannesburg Stadium tomorrow evening. 25/08/2008. © Gallo Images. Pic. Lefty Shivambu.

Mcelwa Nchabeleng

Mcelwa Nchabeleng

Orlando Pirates lacked creativity in the midfield in their scoreless draw against AmaZulu in their last match, but they should be a different prospect tomorrow, thanks to the return of Teko Modise.

Coach Rudi Krol should be a relieved man with the return of Modise as they face Absa Premiership champions SuperSport United at Johannesburg Stadium at 8pm.

Pirates have also been fortified by the return of midfielder Lebogang Mothibantwa.

Mothibantwa and Modise sat out the Usuthu match, owing it to injuries.

Tomorrow's clash will be the first of the three matches The Buccaneers will host at home in eight days, and they are keen to win them all to start the new year on an inspired note.

Though they will still be without the suspended Dikgang "Terminator" Mabalane, Pirates will be a much better team with the two returnees.

Tlou Segolela will miss the tie because of a groin injury, and so will Thulasizwe Mbuyane.

Mbuyane and Innocent Mdledle have resumed light training but are not enough for a full-blooded match.

Matsatsantsa could prove a handful for Pirates as they are desperate for a win to revive their championship ambitions.

Gavin Hunt's side suffered a 0-1 defeat at Santos in their last match.

Hunt, one of the shrewdest coaches in the Premiership, is aware of what another slip-up will do to their chances of defending their title. They should go for the jugular to win.

Hunt might be tempted to give his new signing Mulondo Sikhwivhilu a run against his former employers.

But he speaks highly of Norman Smith, and could gamble by starting with him.

The underrated forward was signed from Thanda Royal Zulu this week and the arrival of the two has given Hunt enough options in the striking department.

But United will have to do without their expensive forward Glen Salmon because of a recurring knee injury.

Supporters are urged to buy tickets which are available at Computicket outlets and Shoprite-Checkers stores.

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