+18 | Commercial Content | T&C's Apply | Play Responsibly | Publishing Principles
Olisah Ndah and Thabiso Sesane, Orlando PiratesBackpage
Seth Willis

Predicting Orlando Pirates' XI against St Eloi Lupopo in first leg of CAF Champions League's second preliminary round - Big return for Olisa Ndah & Thabiso Sesane?

The duo has been missing in action for quite some time now, owing to injuries, but recent clips from Bucs have shown them actively training with the other first-team members. The Sea Robbers are set for the CAF inter-club outing this weekend, which begs a question on whether the two centre-backs will make their long-awaited return.

GOAL predicts how Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou could select his starting line-up against the Democratic Republic of Congo outfit.  

Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱

  • Sipho Chaine, Orlando Pirates, August 2025Backpage

    GOLKEEPER: Sipho Chaine

    The Bafana Bafana goalkeeper does not need anything else to motivate him after keeping eight straight clean sheets.  

    • Advertisement
  • Thabiso Lebitso, Orlando Pirates, August 2025Backpagepix

    RIGHT-BACK: Thabiso Lebitso

    The experienced defender is showing why Bucs signed him from Chippa United two seasons ago, even when the team was doing quite well in his department.   

  • Deon Hotto of Orlando PiratesBackpagepix

    LEFT-BACK: Deon Hotto

    The Namibia international is among those players who are giving all for the team; surely, he can't be dropped at this moment.     

    • ENJOYED THIS STORY?

    Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

  • Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Orlando PiratesBackpage

    CENTRE-BACK: Mbekezeli Mbokazi

    Olisa Ndah and Thabiso Sesane are back in training, but currently, Mbekezeli and Seema have been doing so well at the heart of Bucs defence.   

  • Lebone Seema of Orlando PiratesBackpagepix

    CENTRE-BACK: Lebone Seema

    Captain Nkosinathi Sibisi is struggling to keep this man out of the starting XI.  

  • Sihle Nduli, Orlando Pirates, August 2025Backpage

    CENTRAL MIDFIELDER: Sihle Nduli

    The fans have forgotten about Makhehleni Makhaula owing to the displays by Nduli. 

  • Thalente Mbatha, Orlando Pirates, February 2025.Orlando Pirates

    CENTRAL MIDFIELDER: Thalente Mbatha

    Coach Ouaddou might be keen on having two holding midfielders in the team to ensure total domination and limit the opponent's scoring chances.  

  • Sipho Mbule, Orlando PiratesBackpage

    ATTACKING MIDFIELDER: Sipho Mbule

    There is, currently, no word about the availability of Relebohile Mofokeng, who was injured in a recent outing against Stellies. Patrick Maswanganyi has been passed fit, but chances are high that Sipho Mbule, who put up a decent shift in the FIFA break, could start.   

  • Tshepang Moremi of Orlando PiratesBackpagepix

    LEFT ATTACKER: Tshepang Moremi

    The former AmaZulu man has been in a trajectory mode since joining Bucs from AmaZulu.   

  • Oswin Appollis, Orlando Pirates, August 2025Backpage

    RIGHT ATTACKER: Oswin Appollis

    Kamogelo Sebelebele has been knocking hard on Ouaddou's door, but Appollis, who was excellent for Bafana Bafana against Rwanda, might be preferred.   

  • Evidence Makgopa, Bafana BafanaBackpage

    CENYRE-FORWARD: Evidence Makgopa

    He is definitely high in confidence after scoring in South Africa's 3-0 win over Rwanda in the World Cup qualifier.  

0