Orlando Pirates have found form at just the right time of the season as they turn to the Nedbank Cup
Pirates are set to take on Chippa United in the semifinals of the Nedbank Cup in Gqeberha this afternoon.
They will head into the game on the back of scoring 18 goals in five games in all competitions. In their ranks, they also boast the red-hot Tshegofatso Mabasa. The in form striker currently sits on 13 goals in the league this season. He will be hoping to take that form into the Nedbank Cup where he already has three goals for Pirates.
If he can, that would give Pirates every chance of advancing to the Nedbank Cup final, at the expense of Chippa. Thats a team they have shared good relations with in the past. Those relations have even seen each side benefit in terms of player exchanges. One of those exchanges involved Azola Matrose. The 21-year-old winger moved to the Buccaneers from the Chilli Boys two seasons ago.
Matrose signed for Pirates from Chippa
Pirates then immediately loaned Matrose back to Chippa, where he continued his development playing senior football. The young midfielder enjoyed a fruitful loan at the club last season, with others expecting him to go on another loan spell. But to the surprise of many, he stayed at the Buccaneers with the promise of fighting for his place.
A serious injury has since ruled Matrose out for the bulk of the season, having just returned. He has been building his fitness and match rhythm through the DStv Diski Challenge side. This publication reported last month that Pirates are looking to loan the player out again next season. But in the meantime, there has been an encouraging update on him by coach Jose Riveiro.
Set for Pirates senior debut?
“Azola (Matrose) is working so hard. Since we started the season, he came back to the club (Pirates) with a difficult injury and it’s been a long period for him to play at his level. But now he is back in a good space. He is making big steps forward. He is close to his best level in my opinion. He is competing very well in training and he is getting more mature. I’m sure it’s not long that we can see him playing for us again.” Said Riveiro as per FARPost.
Could Matrose make his Pirates debut against Chippa this afternoon?
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