Predicting Orlando Pirates' starting XI to face Marumo Gallants - Is Abdeslam Ouaddou set to tweak his line-up after PSL opening loss to Sekhukhune United?

The Sea Robbers return to action for a midweek clash, hoping to win and assure their fans that the opening loss was just but a slip-up.

Orlando Pirates are set to take on Magesi FC for their second Premier Soccer League match against Marumo Gallants on Tuesday at Molemela Stadium.

After losing the opening game, Pirates are under pressure to turn things around fast and start winning, and the expectation is that they should begin by beating Gallants.

To avoid more embarrassment after Kaizer Chiefs won their respective game, Bucs have no other option but to win and reduce the noise coming from Naturena.

GOAL takes a look at how Abdeslam Ouaddou is likely to line up his players against Gallants.

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GOALKEEPER: Sipho Chaine
The 2024/25 goalkeeper of the season conceded in Pirates' opening game and would be happy to keep a clean sheet if he is lined up against Gallants.

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RIGHT-BACK: Deano van Rooyen
Coach Ouaddou looks to be developing a preference for Tshepo Mashiloane over Deano van Rooyen.
It would be interesting to see if the new signing will again be fielded ahead of the former Stellenbosch FC captain.
But with the defeat on Saturday, Ouaddou could be tempted to field Van Rooyen.
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LEFT-BACK: Deon Hotto
The Namibian looks to be a preferred choice at the left back, a position he prominently served even under Jose Mourinho.
Should retain his place in the starting team, given his experience and ability to add numbers in front when needed.

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CENTRE-BACK: Nkosinathi Sibisi
The skipper failed to mastermind a win during their opening game, and to avoid more pressure at this stage of the season, he needs to marshall a solid defence against Gallants.
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CENTRE-BACK: Mbekezeli Mbokazi
His partnership with Sibisi at the heart of Pirates' defence is promising, given the chemistry that is visibly developing between the duo.
Sibisi is the right man for Mbokazi to learn from, and the best way to do that is to regularly play alongside him.
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CENTRAL MIDFIELDER: Sihle Nduli
Since Makhehlene Makhaula is still a doubt, Nduli should be given another start at the heart of the midfield.
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CENTRAL MIDFIELDER: Sipho Mbule
One of the Pirates' new signings with something to prove.
Since he joined, he has been a regular member of Ouaddou's starting XIs, and this is not expected to change for the next game.
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ATTACKING MIDFIELDER: Patrick Maswanganyi
He was impressive during the Spain pre-season and scored the MTN8 penalty against Polokwane City.
With these kinds of performances, it is hard to see the coach drop him.
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RIGHT ATTACKER: Relebohile Mofokeng
He is yet to pick up the mojo he had last season, but again, it is still too early to judge.
His position in the starting line-up is almost intact, and he should face Gallants.
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LEFT ATTACKER: Oswin Appollis
He stood out during the MTN8 quarter-final clash against Polokwane City but got frustrated against Sekhukhune United.
However, one can confidently bet that the Bafana Bafana star is going to start again on Tuesday.
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CENTRE-FORWARD - Boitumelo Radiopane
Although he did not score against Polokwane and Sekhukhune, Ouaddou seems to have more trust in him than the other strikers.
In their PSL-opening game, Radiopane started as Evidence Makgopa was benched.