Orlando Pirates give Sipho Mbule and Andre de Jong big hint ahead of Nedbank Cup Round of 16 clash with Casric Stars FC

Orlando Pirates host National First Division side Casric Stars in the Nedbank Cup Round of 16 match at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday.

After booting out Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila in the Round of 32, the Buccaneers face a lower division side for the second successive time in this competition.

As coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is working on selecting players who will start against Casric, the club has given a hint on Sipho Mbule and Andre de Jong. 

"There could be some reshuffling of the pack ahead of the fixture with Sipho Mbule and Andre de Jong among those that could feature in, with a chance of being drafted into the starting lineup after featuring on the bench in midweek," Pirates announced.

Since returning from the 2025 AFCON, where he struggled to impress amid high expectations of him, Mbule has not been a Pirates regular.

Relebohile Mofokeng's top performances as a number 10 have made it difficult for Mbule and January signing De Jong to enjoy regular football.

That could complicate Mbule's chances of making the squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

It could also disturb De Jong's prospects of going to the global football tournament with New Zealand. 

With Ouaddou having stressed the importance of rotating his players to help them have fresh legs during this demanding stage of the season, an unfamiliar lineup is expected against Casric Stars.

Some players who have not been enjoying regular action could be picked to play on Saturday.