How Orlando Pirates Could Line Up - Predicted XI to face Sundowns in MTN 8 Final

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 1 hour ago

Ralph Staniforth 1 hour ago

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Orlando Pirates will face Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN 8 Final on 10 October 2026.
Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou's predicted starting XI features Sipho Chaine in goal and Yanela Mbuthuma up front.
Pirates are aiming for a fifth straight MTN 8 crown and have two players returning from injury.

Pirates have several selection calls to make ahead of the MTN 8 Final vs Sundowns (Getty Images).

Orlando Pirates face Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN 8 Final on 10 October 2026 at Moses Mabhida Stadium. Kickoff is at 6 PM SAST.

Below you can find the predicted starting XI from coach Abdeslam Ouaddou as his side chases a fifth straight MTN 8 crown.

GOALKEEPER

Sipho Chaine will start in goal, fresh off captaining Bafana Bafana in a friendly victory over Egypt.

He will be crucial in this match and has been the hero in a penalty shootout vs Mamelodi Sundowns in the past.

DEFENCE

At right back, Mike Sebelebele is the only experienced option and he will start. Lebone Seema made his full international debut against Egypt and will play as the right centre back.

Nkosinathi Sibisi has shaken off a knock and is set to play as the left centre back. Sbangani Zulu is another option.

Deon Hotto is likely to start at left back, but Nkosikhona Ndaba has been playing well and could be a surprise selection.

MIDFIELD

Thapelo Mokobodi looks like the one certain starter in the engine room. Thalente Mbatha is back in full training after surgery and will play some part.

It is more likely that Mbatha will be on the bench. Mthetheleli Mthiyane and Camren Dansin are the most likely starters alongside Mokobodi. Simphiwe Masilela is an outside bet to play in the number ten role, but Andre De Jong is still out injured.

ATTACK

Yanela Mbuthuma is likely to start in the number nine role. Evidence Makgopa is available after undergoing surgery and could be an impact substitute.

In the wide areas, there are three senior options for two spots. Oswin Appollis is likely to play, with one of Ghampani Lungu or Tshepang Moremi on the opposite side.

Predicted Starting XI (4-3-3):

Sipho Chaine - Mike Sebelebele, Lebone Seema, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Deon Hotto - Thapelo Mokobodi, Mthetheleli Mthiyane, Camren Dansin - Ghampani Lungu, Yanela Mbuthuma, Oswin Appollis.

Ralph is from South Africa and studied Sports Science post school at ETA (Education Teachers Academy) in Cape Town.

He has always had a great passion for sport and this led him into the world of sports journalism, while coaching on the side. Since 2012 Ralph has worked as a journalist and covered many topics from business to sport.

Over the last seven years he has interviewed numerous top rugby and cricket players and coaches in South Africa.

Ralph has been betting on sports for the last ten years. He’s knowledgeable on numerous topics including football, rugby, cricket, tennis and golf.

He supports Manchester United (football), Cheetahs (rugby), Knights (cricket) and has a newly found appreciation for Dominic Thiem on the tennis courts.