Ace returns for Bucs

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 on Saturday.

Manyisa has been given the all-clear after being rested when Pirates revived their slim league title hopes with a last-minute win over Wits in Mbombela at the weekend thanks to Sifiso Myeni.

Manyisa picked up a groin injury when Pirates played to a 2-2 draw with Ajax Cape Town on April 10.

"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 DRC," 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 played 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 win our matches consistently. We also want to go to the DRC in high spirits after beating Chippa."

Pirates captain Lucky Lekgwathi added: "After the win over Wits, there is no turning back. We want to promise our supporters that we will do everything in our power to keep the title in Parktown."

But veteran Chippa 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. We will provide one or two shocks in this game.

"There is no way we will go back home empty-handed."

Under Harrison, the Chilli Boys have beaten Moroka Swallows 2-1 and drawn against Platinum Stars and Ajax Cape Town.

Pirates, before beating Wits, played to six consecutive draws.

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