How Pirates Could Line Up - Soweto Derby Predicted XI & Team News

John Eastwood

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Last updated: 1 hour ago

John Eastwood 1 hour ago

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Kaizer Chiefs prepare to confront Orlando Pirates in the Soweto Derby.
Injuries create challenges in key positions for both teams.
Critical match with both clubs aiming for league dominance.

Pirates have some big calls to make ahead of a must-win derby against Kaizer Chiefs (Getty Images).

Orlando Pirates face Kaizer Chiefs in the Premier Soccer League on Saturday. We take a look at how the Sea Robbers could line up in this much-anticipated Soweto Derby.

Pirates had won five straight clashes between these clubs, prior to a 2-1 win for Kaizer Chiefs in last season's Nedbank Cup. Can Bucs coach Abdeslam Ouaddou mastermind a victory to take his side back to the league summit?

GOALKEEPER

Sipho Chaine is a certainty to start in goal. His backup is Melusi Buthelezi, but he has not started a single match all season.

DEFENCE

Right back is a bit of a problem position. Thabiso Lebitso is injured, so Deano Van Rooyen and Kamogelo Sebelebele are fighting for the role.

Lebone Seema is expected to return in central defence. Nkosinathi Sibisi will partner him, in preference to Mpho Chabatsane.

Deon Hotto is set to keep his place at left back.

MIDFIELD

Masindi Nemtajela is a certain starter. With Thalente Mbatha set to be out injured, and Sihle Nduli also nursing an injury, options are limited. Makhehlene Makhaula is set to start this big match at the age of 36.

In the number ten role, Oswin Appollis could be picked ahead of Patrick Maswanganyi. Both Kabelo Dlamini and Sipho Mbule are injured in that role.

ATTACK

The centre forward role is a problem area. Tshegofatso Mabasa was loaned out, and Evidence Makgopa has been nursing an injury. Boitumelo Radiopane is another injured player. Andre De Jong started as a false nine in the last match, but Yanele Mbuthuma is expected to be recalled up front against Chiefs.

In the wide areas, Rele Mofokeng is a certain starter. Tshepang Moremi has had a dip in form, but he should get the nod down the right flank.

Last match: Chaine; Van Rooyen (Sebelebele 91’), Sibisi, Chabatsane, Hotto (Ndaba 79’); Makhaula (Mariko 84’), Nemtajela; Moremi (Msendami 106’), Maswanganyi (Appollis 63’), Mofokeng; De Jong (Mbuthuma 79’)

Predicted XI: Chaine; Sebelebele, Seema, Sibisi, Hotto; Makhaula, Nemtajela; Moremi, Appollis, Mofokeng; Mbuthuma.