Tinkler missing two key players for Pirates clash

Cape Town City are set to be without key midfielders Thabo Nodada and Brice Ambina for their DStv Premiership encounter against Orlando Pirates at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.

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Nodada and Ambina are suspended for the tie against the Buccaneers, a crucial match for Cape Town City, who are fighting to stay in the top half of the league standings.

Cameroon-born Ambina  was sent-off in their tie against Mamelodi Sundowns, while Nodada took an early shower in the game against AmaZulu FC. 

The Western Cape-based outfit are currently occupying fifth spot on the log with 35 points after 25 games. 

But, they can easily find themselves outside the top half of the table, with only four points separating them from ninth-placed Richards Bay. 

Missing key figures in Nodada and Ambina is certainly a major blow for Tinkler, with both midfielders having played 27 games each across all competitions. 

In those games, Nodada, who has been strongly linked with a move away from the club, has managed to score two goals and has one assist.

Ambina, meanwhile, has only one assist, but the Cameroon junior national team player has been handling the business for City in midfield, and his performances have been notable since joining the club last in February 2022.. 

Cape Town City have not won a game in their last three fixtures and they are coming up against a Pirates side that is on song. 

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Winning streak

The Buccaneers are on a four-game winning streak in the league and they are fighting for a second place finish, with the club at the moment sitting in third place on the table with 43 points after 25 matches. 

City coach Tinkler knows what they will be facing against Bucs, but says they will have  to approach the game without doubting themselves. 

“Pirates are a team in good form, we have to apply ourselves extremely well. We’ll have to play without any fear and play a good brand of football,” Tinkler told City media.