Why Mlambo, Mahachi and Gabuza have been left out of Pirates starting line-up vs Sundowns

Orlando Pirates have made three changes to their starting lineup for their big Absa Premiership matchup against Mamelodi Sundowns at Orlando Stadium on Monday night.

Right-back Mthokozisi Dube and the Zambian strike partnership of Justin Shonga and Augustine Mulenga come in from Bucs' last game, their 2-1 group stage Caf Champions League defeat away against Horoya AC in Conakry, Guinea on March 16.

Midfielder Xola Mlambo, winger Kudakwashe Mahachi and striker Thamsanqa Gabuza are the players to make way for the third-placed PSL team.

Leaders and defending champions Sundowns have made two changes from the team that lost 1-0 against Wydad Casablanca in Morocco on March 16.

Bafana Bafana international Anele Ngcongca comes in at right-back and Argentinean Emiliano Tade in the frontline.

Lyle Lakay and Phakamani Mahlambi are the players to make way.

Teams:

Orlando Pirates (probably 4-4-1-1): Wayne Sandilands - Mthokozisi Dube, Alfred Ndengane, Happy Jele, Innocent Maela - Luvuyo Memela, Musa Nyatama, Ben Motshwari, Thembinkosi Lorch - Justin Shonga, Augustine MulengaSubstitutes: Siyabonga Mpontshane, Marshall Munetsi, Abel Mabaso, Mpho Makola, Thabo Qalinge, Kudakwashe Mahachi, Thamsanqa Gabuza

Mamelodi Sundowns (probably 4-4-1-1): Denis Onyango - Anele Ngcongca, Wayne Arendse, Ricardo Nascimento, Tebogo Langerman - Thapelo Morena, Hlompho Kekana, Tiyani Mabunda, Themba Zwane - Lebohang Maboe, Emiliano TadeSubstitutes: Kennedy Mweene, Rivaldo Coetzee, Mosa Lebusa, Lyle Lakay, Oupa Manyisa, Sibusiso Vilakazi, Jose Ali Meza