ORLANDO Pirates will use tonight's Absa Premiership match against relegation-threatened Chippa United to assess midfielder Oupa Manyisa's readiness for the all-important CAF Champions League clash with TP Mazembe in Lubumbashi.
Manyisa has been given the all clear after being rested, while Pirates have revived their slim league title hopes with a last-minute win over BidVest Wits.
Sifiso Myeni scored the single goal at Mbombela Stadium at the weekend.
Manyisa sustained a groin injury when Pirates played to a 2-2 draw with Ajax Cape Town in the Mother City early this month.
"I think we'll use Ace (Manyisa) in the game against United for a few minutes late in the second half, we want to make sure he is ready for the war in the Democratic Republic of Congo," said Pirates assistant coach Tebogo Moloi.
"For now the focus is on the game against United. They have been doing well since Mark Harrison took over as coach two weeks ago. They are still to lose under him, which is a clear indication they won't be an easy opposition.
"Everybody is excited in the camp after we beat Wits to get our challenge for the league back on track. The fact that Kaizer Chiefs and Platinum Stars were able to play to a goalless draw is good news for us.
"We believe we are still in with a chance to successfully defend the league title but we'll have to consistently win our matches."
Pirates captain Lucky Lekgwathi said: "After the win over Wits there is no turning back. United owe us big time for holding us to a draw in the first round. We will be ruthless this time around because most of our guys are available."
Veteran United midfielder Brent Carelse said: "This is going to be an exciting one. Pirates want the league title again and we are fighting hard to get out of the relegation zone. There is no way we will go back home empty-handed."
Under Harrison, the Chilli Boyz beat Swallows 2-1 and registered draws against Platinum Stars and Ajax. Pirates, before beating Wits, played six consecutive draws in league games.
The bad news for Pirates is that they will be minus the suspended Happy Jele, which is offset by Daine Klate's return from suspension.
Kickoff is at 7.30pm.
Oupa to get a run against Chippa
ORLANDO Pirates will use tonight's Absa Premiership match against relegation-threatened Chippa United to assess midfielder Oupa Manyisa's readiness for the all-important CAF Champions League clash with TP Mazembe in Lubumbashi.
Manyisa has been given the all clear after being rested, while Pirates have revived their slim league title hopes with a last-minute win over BidVest Wits.
Sifiso Myeni scored the single goal at Mbombela Stadium at the weekend.
Manyisa sustained a groin injury when Pirates played to a 2-2 draw with Ajax Cape Town in the Mother City early this month.
"I think we'll use Ace (Manyisa) in the game against United for a few minutes late in the second half, we want to make sure he is ready for the war in the Democratic Republic of Congo," said Pirates assistant coach Tebogo Moloi.
"For now the focus is on the game against United. They have been doing well since Mark Harrison took over as coach two weeks ago. They are still to lose under him, which is a clear indication they won't be an easy opposition.
"Everybody is excited in the camp after we beat Wits to get our challenge for the league back on track. The fact that Kaizer Chiefs and Platinum Stars were able to play to a goalless draw is good news for us.
"We believe we are still in with a chance to successfully defend the league title but we'll have to consistently win our matches."
Pirates captain Lucky Lekgwathi said: "After the win over Wits there is no turning back. United owe us big time for holding us to a draw in the first round. We will be ruthless this time around because most of our guys are available."
Veteran United midfielder Brent Carelse said: "This is going to be an exciting one. Pirates want the league title again and we are fighting hard to get out of the relegation zone. There is no way we will go back home empty-handed."
Under Harrison, the Chilli Boyz beat Swallows 2-1 and registered draws against Platinum Stars and Ajax. Pirates, before beating Wits, played six consecutive draws in league games.
The bad news for Pirates is that they will be minus the suspended Happy Jele, which is offset by Daine Klate's return from suspension.
Kickoff is at 7.30pm.
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