Predicted Orlando Pirates XI for the Nedbank Cup final

Orlando Pirates shift their planning to the Nedbank Cup final against Sundowns after securing CAF Champions League football.

Orlando Pirates predicted XI vs Sundowns in Nedbank Cup final

Chaine; Monyane, Ndah, Sesane, Hotto; Mbatha, Makhaula; Saleng, Maswanganyi, Mofokeng; Mabasa

BUCS WELCOME BACK HOTTO

The latest update from the Pirates website is as follows:

“The Buccaneers are bolstered further by the return of Deon Hotto, who has recovered after picking up a knock in the Nedbank Cup semifinal triumph over Chippa United.”

Hotto started the 1-1 draw against SuperSport and his experience and know-how could be vital.

Deon Hotto of Orlando Pirates during the DStv Premiership 2023/24 match between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates at the FNB Stadium, Johannesburg on the 11 November 2023 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

NOT ALL GOOD NEWS FOR JOSE RIVEIRO

Midfield orchestrator Miguel Timm is a major doubt for the Nedbank Cup final against Sundowns on 1 June after missing the 1-0 defeat to TS Galaxy. Key defender Tapelo Xoki will miss the game after being ruled out for the rest of the campaign. The 29-year-old central defender made 26 appearances in the league and three in the Nedbank Cup. He’s also grabbed three goals in that competition. Xoki suffered a serious ankle injury in training and needs surgery.

ORLANDO PIRATES SECURE CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FOOTBALL

The Sea Robbers could only manage a 1-1 draw against SuperSport but that was enough to secure second place ahead of Stellies, who lost 2-1 at Richards Bay. Pirates and Stellenbosch finished level on 50 points but the Sea Robbers boast a superior goal difference. Riveiro’s men are looking for an almost unprecedented three-peat in the MTN8 after winning the last two editions.

PIRATES TO RELEASE A DOZEN STARS?

According to Soccer-Laduma, Pirates will sell, release or loan out up to 12 senior players.

“The people in the office are working hard on that list of players who will be leaving the team. It’s not an easy one but there will be an overhaul at the end of the season. Most of the players whose contracts are coming to an end won’t be renewed as the club is looking at bringing in new blood as well. As far as I am concerned most of those whose contracts were reviewed last season for one season won’t be staying. It will be like a total clear out,” said the source to the publication.

“Among those rumoured to be on the exit list are goalkeepers Richard Ofori and Siyabonga Mpontshane, defenders Bandile Shandu, Bongani Sam, and Sandile Mthethwa, as well as midfielders Vincent Pule, Monnapule Saleng, Thabang Monare, Fortune Makaringe, and Deon Hotto. Strikers Kermit Erasmus and Cameroonian Souaibou Marou are also mentioned as potential departures.”

Kermit Erasmus of Orlando Pirates celebrates victory with fans during the DStv Premiership 2022/23 football match between Swallows FC and Orlando Pirates at Dobsonville Stadium, Johannesburg on 03 March 2023 ©Gavin Barker/BackpagePix.