Orlando Pirates could be forced to make several changes for their Nedbank Cup round-of-16 clash against Cape Town City, writes DEAN WORKMAN.

Orlando Pirates coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojević made the revelation to the media during the pre-match press conference on Monday.

When asked for an injury update, the Serbian said, ‘Wayne [Sandilands] will be back next week. We had an outbreak of flu that some of the players pulled out, but [we are] being happy and proud that we are working with players in the shape of black panthers [referring to the film]. We know that the players are working through it and I believe we will get through it.’

Speaking on absence of Derby day hero Luvuyo Memela, who sat out of Monday’s training, Micho said, ‘Regarding Memela, he has a knock but it’s just precautionary.’

Sredojević then pointed out that, due to the outbreak of flu, some fringe players might get their chance against Cape Town City. ‘As mentioned, this outbreak of flu has put us in the position that we are wanting to juggle and think about the team. We might be forced [into changes] but it is a decision that will be made in coordination with the medical state.

‘We expect to make certain changes, how many of them? We shall see but we are having the mind that with this situation that brought some of the players down, we are looking now to show [our] depth in our squad. We are happy that for every position, at least two to three players are fighting [for a spot] and if anyone comes [into the team] they are ready – mentally, physically and tactically.’

The Buccaneers now enter a busy period of their season where they will need to balance league and cup commitments properly if they want to be in contention to win silverware come the end of the season.