Predicted Orlando Pirates XI to face Richards Bay
Orlando Pirates have a deep squad. After two wins from two, they’ll be fancied to make it three away to Richards Bay on Sunday. Here’s how we think they’ll line up.
Orlando Pirates predicted XI vs Richards Bay
Manager Jose Riveiro has a wealth of options in all departments. He made only one change from the opening-day win over Chippa to the side which beat Polokwane. Kabelo Dlamini came in for midfield enforcer Makhehlene Makhaula although the latter could be restored to the side here to provide solidity away from home.
Chaine; Van Rooyen, Sesane, Ndah, Hotto; Mbatha, Makhaula; Saleng, Maswanganyi, Mofokeng; Mabasa.
Deano Van Rooyen trains with Pirates at the Orlando Stadium. Image: LorenzKO/X
Pirates XI vs Chippa
Chaine; Van Rooyen, Sesane, Ndah, Hotto; Mbatha, Makhaula; Saleng, Maswanganyi, Mofokeng; Mabasa
Subs used: Dlamini, Maela, Moleleki, Radiopane.
Pirates XI vs Polokwane
Chaine; Van Rooyen, Sesane, Ndah, Hotto; Mbatha, Dlamini; Saleng, Maswanganyi, Mofokeng; Mabasa
Subs used: Sibisi, Makhaula, Makgopa, Kimvuidi.
Makgopa is sticking it to the haters
With his brace off the bench against Polokwane, Evidence Makgopa has given Riveiro a massive headache in attack. Last season’s Golden Boot winner Tshegofatso Mabasa is still likely to start, but Makgopa gives Pirates another dimension off the bench with his relentless channel-running and underrated linkup play.
Tshegofatso Mabasa and Evidence Makgopa Image via @BackpagePix
Pirates waltz into the Caf Champions League
Pirates are back at the top table of African continental competition following their routine aggregate win over Jwaneng Galaxy. They’ll participate in the 2024-2024 Caf Champions League group stages, and they bank a minimum of R12 million in the process. Advancement to the quarter-finals would swell Pirates’ earnings to R15.6 million and the money keeps on getting better the further they go.
Orlando Pirates fans are expectant on Soweto Derby Day. Image: BackpagePix
Maswanganyi will wear 10 on the continent
The fabled number 10 jersey, retired in domestic league competition since Jomo Sono hung his boots up, is still available in continental competition. The honour has been handed to the silky left foot of Patrick Maswanganyi. Here are the other numbers including a strange choice for prodigy playmaker Mofokeng. The 19-year-old became a bona fide star last season and is now a full Bafana Bafana international, capable of playing centrally or as a ball carrier in wide channels.
Orlando Pirates midfielder Patrick Maswanganyi. Image: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Which matches will you be watching this weekend? What are your thoughts on Evidence Makgopa?
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