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Orlando Pirates 2020.Backpagepix

Caf Confederation Cup: Predicting Orlando Pirates' XI to face JS Saoura

Orlando Pirates Pirates collide with JS Saoura at the 5 July 1962 Stadium as they seek to maintain their lead at the top of Caf Confederation Cup Group B.

After four rounds of games, the Soweto giants are two points clear at the top of Group B.

GOAL predicts how Pirates coaches could pick their starting line-up for this weekend's showdown.

  • Richard Ofori Orlando Pirates 2022.Backpagepix

    GOALKEEPER - Richard Ofori

    The Ghana international is back from a long-term injury and has featured in three matches across all competitions.

    Having already conceded three goals in two games since his comeback, Ofori will be desperate to keep a clean sheet in Algiers.

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  • Bandile Shandu Orlando Pirates 2022.Backpagepix

    RIGHT-BACK - Bandile Shandu

    Shandu has been a top performer this season and that has deservedly earned him a Bafana Bafana call-up.

    The right-back is currently the Confederation Cup joint top goal-scorer with Victorien Adebayor of USGN.

    Each has four goals.

  • Paseka Mako, Orlando Pirates, October 2021Backpagepix

    LEFT-BACK - Paseka Mako

    Mako has started all seven Confederation Cup games for Pirates this season and is expected to be in the starting line-up again.

    After being substituted in the 6-2 win over Royal Leopards, he has missed just 22 minutes of action in the competition.

  • Olisa Ndah, Orlando Pirates, October 2021Backpagepix

    CENTRE-BACK - Olisa Ndah

    The Nigeria international has added some steel in the Pirates rearguard and is almost assured to start while other centre-backs are rotated.

  • Happy Jele & Thabang Monare, Orlando Pirates, October 2021Backpagepix

    CENTRE-BACK - Happy Jele

    Looking at the manner Pirates conceded two goals in 18 minutes against SuperSport United on Wednesday, their coaches might shake up things at the back.

    Jele is likely to be selected ahead of Ntsikelelo Nyauza to partner Ndah at the heart of defence.

  • Abel Mabaso, Orlando Pirates, November 2021Backpagepix

    CENTRAL MIDFIELDER - Abel Mabaso

    The experienced star is comfortable as a centre-back, right-back or defensive linkman.

    Mabaso had a brilliant game when he came on for Thabang Monare early in the match against SuperSport United.

  • Goodman Mosele Orlando Pirates 2022.Backpagepix.

    RIGHT MIDFIELDER - Goodman Mosele

    Mosele grabbed Pirates'winning goal against SuperSport deep into stoppage time.

    Those heroics, combined with a Bafana Bafana call-up, will give him confidence going into the Saoura match.

  • Deon Hotto Orlando Piratesbackpagepix

    LEFT MIDFIELDER - Deon Hotto

    The Namibian is fresh from grabbing a brace against SuperSport after converting two penalty kicks.

    Hotto is Pirates' top-scorer this season with seven goals but, interestingly, he is yet to score in six Confederation Cup games.

  • Fortune Makaringe Orlando Pirates 2022.Backpagepix.

    ATTACKING MIDFIELDER - Fortune Makaringe

    Makaringe has thrived in this competition than the Premier Soccer League.

    He has two goals in six continental matches this season and would be keen to add more in Algeria.

  • Kabelo Dlamini, Orlando Pirates, November 2021Backpagepix

    ATTACKING MIDFIELDER - Kabelo Dlamini

    The 25-year-old has two goals in this tournament, including scoring in the last continental assignment against Royal Leopards.

    Dlamini has been a starter in Pirates' last six games and is set to continue on Sunday.

  • Terrence Dzvukamanja, Orlando Pirates, October 2021Backpagepix

    CENTRE-FORWARD - Terrence Dzvukamanja

    The Zimbabwean forward was preferred ahead of Kwame Peprah in the last game and was kept the SuperSport defence busy all evening.

    He was unlucky not to grab a goal and will be hoping to bag his second Caf goal this weekend.