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Thalente Mbatha, Orlando PiratesBackpagepix

Predicting Orlando Pirates' XI to face Mamelodi Sundowns in MTN8 semi-finals: Abdeslam Ouaddou to finally turn to Tshegofatso Mabasa, Deano van Rooyen, Thalente Mbatha and Tapelo Xoki?

Orlando Pirates will be out to end a two-match losing streak when they host Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 semi-finals, first-leg at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.

Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou goes into this match under pressure, especially about the players he has been selecting for games.

GOAL takes a look at how Ouaddou is likely to name his starting lineup.   

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  • Sipho Chaine, Orlando PiratesBackpage

    GOALKEEPER: Sipho Chaine

    Having conceded three goals in Pirates' last two games, Chaine would be under pressure to keep a clean sheet against Masandawana attackers.  

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  • Deano Van Rooyen of Orlando PiratesBackpagepix

    RIGHT-BACK: Deano van Rooyen

    As Ouaddou tries to look for solutions and end a difficult run, Van Rooyen could make his season debut.  

  • Deon Hotto, Orlando Pirates, August 2025Backpagepix

    LEFT-BACK: Deon Hotto

    The experienced Namibian is one of the first names on Ouaddou's team sheet.  

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  • Tapelo Xoki, Orlando Pirates, May 2025Backpage

    CENTRE-BACK: Tapelo Xoki

    With captain Nkosinathi Sibisi out injured, Ouaddou surprisingly left out Xoki for Lebone Seema against Gallants, but the Buccaneers vice-skipper could play for the first time on Saturday.    

  • Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Orlando Pirates, August 2025Backpagepix

    CENTERE-BACK: Mbekezeli Mbokazi

    The 19-year-old could not lead the Soweto giants to victory while wearing the armband in midweek, but that would not weigh him down, given the experience he has been gaining.  

  • Sipho Mbule, Orlando PiratesBackpage

    CENTRAL MIDFIELDER: Sipho Mbule

    After being an unused substitute against Gallants, Mbule is expected back to face his former employers Masandawana.   

  • Sihle Nduli, Orlando Pirates, August 2025Backpage

    CENTRAL MIDFIELDER: Sihle Nduli

    The former Stellenbosch star is being selected ahead of Thalente Mbatha and that must be a tough decision for the coach.   

  • Patrick Maswanganyi, Orlando Pirates, August 2025Backpagepix

    ATTACKING MIDFIELDER: Patrick Maswanganyi

    Maswanganyi has started the season on a high with two goals in three matches in all competitions and that could be a concern for the Brazilians.  

  • Relebohile Mofokeng, Orlando PiratesBackpage

    RIGHT ATTACKER: Relebohile Mofokeng

    After coming on as a substitute against Bahlabane ba Ntwa, Mofokeng is expected to have some fresh legs to take on Sundowns defenders.    

  • Oswin Appollis, Orlando Pirates, August 2025Backpage

    LEFT ATTACKER: Oswin Appollis

    If the Bafana Bafana winger replicates the form that saw him being named Man of the Match in the quarter-finals, Sundowns could be in for a difficult afternoon.  

  • Tshegofatso Mabasa, Orlando PiratesBackpage

    CENTRE-FORWARD: Tshegofatso Mabasa

    No Pirates striker has scored in the three matches they have played and that has seen calls for Mabasa to start growing louder.  

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