How Orlando Pirates Could Line Up - Attacking Dilemmas in Predicted XI to face Kaizer Chiefs

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 4 hours ago

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Ralph Staniforth 4 hours ago

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Sipho Chaine is set to start in goal after conceding just once in eight league games.
Tshepang Moremi is expected to lead the attack following a midweek brace.
Buleleani Sigomoshe is likely to start at right back due to an injury to Kamogelo Sebelebele.

Orlando Pirates face Kaizer Chiefs in the Premier Soccer League on 31 October 2026 at FNB Stadium. Kickoff is at 3.30 PM SAST.

Below you can find the predicted starting XI from coach Abdeslam Ouaddou for the match.

GOALKEEPER

Sipho Chaine is a certain starter for this match.

Pirates have conceded just one goal in eight league matches this season, partly down to Chaine's outstanding form.

DEFENCE

At right back, Kamogelo Sebelebele is out injured. Pirates do not have another natural right back in their squad. Right winger Buleleani Sigomoshe was signed from Milford and will start again in a new role.

At centre back, Lebone Seema is a certain starter. Nkosinathi Sibisi is expected to be recalled in preference to Sbangani Zulu.

Deon Hotto is set to play at left back due to his experience. The other options have been performing well, but they lack the know-how for a Soweto Derby.

MIDFIELD

Thapelo Mokobodi looks like a certain starter after some impressive recent form. The Pirates coach must decide whether to select Simphiwe Selepe or Thalente Mbatha alongside him.

Another option is to play a 4-3-3 shape with all three starting the match. That move would see number ten Simphiwe Masilela used as a substitute or possibly shunted out wide, despite his coach saying about him: "I have seen a lot of young players, and he is one of the best that I have seen."

ATTACK

In attack, Tshepang Moremi is a certain selection. He scored a brace in midweek and has seven goals this season already.

In the number nine role, it could be any one of Yanela Mbuthuma, Evidence Makgopa or Boitumelo Radiopane. The latter may get the nod due to his ability to link play by dropping off the front.

On the other flank, Oswin Appollis is fit, but the Bafana Bafana man may not start. Ghampani Lungu went off injured in midweek, and fellow right winger Mohau Nkota is not fully match fit.

We may see one of the talented youngsters start on the side, in Masilela or teenager Mpho Padime, who is famed for his showboating.

Predicted Starting XI (4-3-3):

Sipho Chaine - Buleleani Sigomoshe, Lebone Seema, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Deon Hotto - Thapelo Mokobodi, Simphiwe Selepe, Thalente Mbatha - Simphiwe Masilela, Buitumelo Radiopane, Tshepang Moremi.

Ralph Staniforth is a South African sports journalist, editor and betting writer who has worked in sports media since 2012.

With a background in Sports Science, he has covered a wide range of sports and interviewed leading players and coaches across South African rugby, cricket and football.

His sports betting work covers both South African and international markets, combining his knowledge of sport with extensive experience analysing fixtures, teams, form and betting markets.

Ralph specialises in football and rugby, while also covering cricket, tennis and golf. His work includes match previews, betting tips, betting guides and broader analysis of the sports betting industry.

You can find more from Ralph at Muckrack and LinkedIn.