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Abdeslam Ouaddou of Orlando PiratesBackpagepix
Michael Madyira

Predicting Orlando Pirates XI to face Lioli FC in CAF Champions League tie - Will Abdeslam Ouaddou unleash new first team striker?

Smart from winning their first trophy of the season, the Buccaneers shift focus to continental duties. They face Lesotho champions Lioli in a CAF Champions League first preliminary round, first leg match at Free State Stadium on Saturday. The Sowteo giants are up against opponents whose profile is not much known in Africa and are out to avoid an upset.

GOAL takes a look at how Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou will line up his men on Saturday as the Buccaneers are fresh from lifting the MTN8 title for a fourth straight season.  

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  • Sipho Chaine, Orlando Pirates, August 2025Backpage

    GOALKEEPER: Sipho Chaine

    The Bafana Bafana goalkeeper has kept clean sheets in Pirates' last three games and that is a morale booster he needs going into Saturday's match. 

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  • Thabiso Lebitso, Orlando Pirates, August 2025Backpagepix

    RIGHT-BACK: Thabiso Lebitso

    The experienced defender has made two appearances so far this season and has shown that he did not lose his touch after a long spell on the sidelines, injured.   

  • Deon Hotto, Orlando PiratesBackpage

    LEFT-BACK: Deon Hotto

    The Namibian has started all the matches Pirates have played this season and that shows the belief Ouaddou has in him.  

  • Nkosinathi Sibisi, Orlando PiratesBackpage

    CENTRE-BACK: Nkosinathi Sibisi

    After making a cameo appearance in the MTN8 final, the Buccaneers' captain is back to reclaim his starting spot.  

  • Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Orlando PiratesBackpage

    CENTRE-BACK: Mbekezeli Mbokazi

    The 20-year-old is enjoying a good period and his importance in South African football was underlined by Hugo Broos, who blocked his participation at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup to be with Bafana Bafana in crucial World Cup qualifying matches in October.  

  • Sihle Nduli, Orlando Pirates, August 2025Backpage

    CENTRAL MIDFIELDER: Sihle Nduli

    Just like Hotto, this is another player who has earned Ouaddou's full trust and is almost assured to start. 

  • Thalente Mbatha tribute to Jose Riveiro video

    CENTRAL MIDFIELDER: Thalente Mbatha

    The combination between Mbatha and Nduli seems to be working, especially in protecting Pirates' backline.  

  • Sipho Mbule, Orlando PiratesBackpage

    ATTACKING MIDFIELDER: Sipho Mbule

    Mbule has revived his career since arriving at Pirates and can be trusted to have a big infulence in any match.  

  • Kamogelo Sebelebele of Orlando PiratesBackpagepix

    RIGHT ATTACKER: Kamogelo Sebelebele

    The former TS Galaxy star has turned himself into a key Pirates player and is almost guaranteed to start.   

  • Relebohile Mofokeng, Orlando Pirates, August 2025Backpage

    LEFT ATTACKER: Relebohile Mofokeng

    The Bafana winger thrives the most on the left flank, but he faces competition from Oswin Appollis and Tshepang Moremi who scored a brace in the MTN8 final.   

  • Tshegofatso Mabasa, Orlando Pirates, September 2025Backpage

    CENTRE FORWARD: Tshegofatso Mabasa

    After scoring in the MTN8 final, Mabasa could be rewarded to start ahead of newly promoted striker, Sifiso Luthuli, Evidence Makgopa and Boitumelo Radiopane.    

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