Predicting Orlando Pirates' MTN8 XI to face Polokwane City: Abdeslam Ouaddou's headache - Sipho Mbule or Cemran Dansin?

This is a match that carries a lot of stakes for Bucs, and how the new coach lines up his charges will tell a lot about his ability to take charge of a bigger club.

Orlando Pirates begin their campaign to defend the MTN8 trophy with a quarter-final game against Polokwane City at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday.

After a pre-season tour in Spain, the Sea Robbers are back into competitive action as they host their Premier Soccer League opponents in a league curtain-raising tournament.

With 11 players brought on to strengthen the team, head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is expected to field his strong side, as he would wish to start his reign with a trophy.

Here, GOAL takes a look at how Ouaddou can line up his soldiers for the battle against Polokwane City.

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GOALKEEPER: Sipho Chaine
The 2024/25 PSL Goalkeeper of the Season is a sure candidate to take up the goalkeeping duties.

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RIGHT-BACK: Deano van Rooyen
The former Stellenbosch fullback has made the right back position his own. Under Ouaddou, he is expected to be the first choice for that position.
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LEFT-BACK: Deon Hotto
The utility star has made himself a key figure in the Pirates' setup.
Ouaddou is expected to maintain the tradition that has seen the Namibian deployed as a wing-back.

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CENTRE-BACK: Nkosinathi Sibisi
The newly elected captain should command the Pirates' defence. His experience and leadership will be crucial during the encounter.
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CENTRE-BACK: Mbekezeli Mbokazi
Despite his age, Mbokazi has shown that he can develop into a top defender for the Soweto giants.
Whether paired alongside Sibisi or Tapelo Xoki, he is always composed and a rock-solid figure at the heart of defence.
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CENTRAL MIDFIELDER: Thalente Mbatha
The Bafana Bafana international is likely to be deployed as a defensive midfielder with Makhehlene Makhaula still out injured.
Orlando Pirates
CENTRAL MIDFIELDER: Sipho Mbule
Pirates' high-profile signing so far, Mbule should be eager to be involved in order to prove his worth and silence his doubters once and for all.
He should start ahead of promising midfield maestro Cemran Dansin.
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ATTACKING MIDFIELDER: Patrick Maswanganyi
The creative midfielder could get the nod ahead of Kabelo Dlamini, having scored against Granada on July 19.
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RIGHT ATTACKER: Relebohile Mofokeng
Although uncertainty still surrounds his future, his full focus should be on the duty ahead.
The 20-year-old has been crucial when it comes to scoring goals and providing assists.
Orlando Pirates
LEFT ATTACKER: Oswin Appollis
With the exit of Mohau Nkota, a huge gap was left in the Pirates' squad.
The new signing has a huge role to ensure the gap is duly filled and that Nkota's absence is not felt.
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CENTRE-FORWARD - Evidence Makgopa
Despite the arrival of Yanela Mbuthuma, Makgopa is still seen as the ideal striker for Pirates, maybe until the new player gels with his team completely.
Just like Jose Riveiro, Ouaddou's lineup in the pre-season hinted that Makgopa could be his first-choice striker.