Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou rang the changes for the weekend’s Champions League fixture, but a pack of regular starters are expected back in the fold against Galaxy.
Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Deon Hotto, Thalente Mbatha, Thabiso Lebitso, and Tshegofatso Mabasa, who deservedly sat out, should all return.
The selection should reshape Orlando Pirates’ spine while keeping the highly productive attackers on the pitch. However, the Buccaneers could be without their star playmaker, Relebohile Mofokeng, who is likely to miss a second consecutive match through injury.
ORLANDO PIRATES’ STARTING LINEUP PREDICTION
- Goalkeeper: Sipho Chaine
- Right back: Thabiso Lebitso
- Central defender: Mbekezeli Mbokazi
- Central defender: Lebone Seema
- Left back: Deon Hotto
- Holding midfield: Nduli Nduli
- Central midfield: Thalente Mbatha
- Attacking midfied: Sipho Mbule
- Left winger: Oswin Appollis
- Right winger: Thabiso Moremi
- Striker: Tshegofatso Mabasa
ORLANDO PIRATES VS TS GALAXY IN THE BETWAY PREMIERSHIP
So, how are the Sea Robbers looking? They return to league action sitting eighth on the Betway Premiership table, boosted by four consecutive wins that pulled them out of the bottom half.
How impressive is the defence? Coach Ouaddou’s side have not conceded a goal in four matches. Two 1-0 wins over Stellenbosch FC and Orbit College, the 3-0 victory over Chippa United and the narrow 1-0 triumph over Siwelele FC.
TS Galaxy make the trip to Soweto placed fifth, one point ahead of Orlando Pirates. The Rockets went from back-to-back defeats in August to a five-match unbeaten streak that has pushed them into the top five. They’ve bagged 13 out of a possible 15 points during that spell. They will be dangerous.
MORE THREAT FOR THE BUCCANEERS
The numbers also show us something of a surprise. Orlando Pirates have struggled for goals at Orlando Stadium, with only two strikes in three home league matches. Galaxy, meanwhile, arrive as the league’s best travellers: eight goals scored in four away games, more than any other side.
Kickoff will be at 19:30 at the Orlando Stadium.
