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Monnapule Saleng, Orlando Pirates, December 2024Backpagepix
Clifton Mabasa

Predicting Orlando Pirates' XI to face Mamelodi Sundowns - The perfect time for Monnapule Saleng's return?

The Buccaneers will seek to close the gap on the Brazilians as the race for the 2024/25 PSL title intensifies.

Orlando Pirates will be the visitors at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday afternoon when they face off against Mamelodi Sundowns.

The Sea Robbers are currently in second place in the Premier Soccer League standings, six points behind leaders Masandawana.

Pirates coach Jose Riveiro is expected to set up a formidable lineup to challenge Miguel Cardoso's star-filled team.

Here, GOAL examines Pirates' roster and predicts how Riveiro might line up his team against Sundowns.

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  • Sipho Chaine, Orlando Pirates, January 2025Backpagepix

    GOALKEEPR: Sipho Chaine

    Chaine will be focused on preventing any goals from Sundowns and keeping a clean sheet after failing to do so against Sekhukhune United on Wednesday.

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  • Deano Van Rooyen of Orlando PiratesBackpagepix

    RIGHT-BACK: Deano van Rooyen

    The former Stellenbosch FC defender did not play well in the last two games, and he will be striving to improve on his disappointing performances.

  • Paseka Mako, Orlando PiratesBackpage

    LEFT-BACK: Paseka Mako

    Mako had a decent game against Babina Noko, and he looks set to retain his position in the team.

  • Nkosinathi Sibisi, Orlando Pirates, September 2024Backpagepix

    CENTRE-BACK: Nkosinathi Sibisi

    Since Olisa Ndah got injured last year, the Bafana Bafana international has excelled in this position and he will be looking to demonstrate his value once more against a strong Masandawana side. 

  • Tapelo Xoki, Orlando Pirates Backpagepix

    CENTRE-BACK: Tapelo Xoki

    Xoki came on for an injured Thabiso Sesane just 18 minutes into the match against Babina Noko. The vice-captain is likely to start as Sesane continues to nurse his injury.

  • Makhehlene Makhaula, Orlando Pirates, September 2024Backpagepix

    CENTRAL MIDFIDLDER: Makhehlene Makhaula

    The in-form midfielder earned back-to-back Man of the Match awards against Kaizer Chiefs and Sekhukhune, respectively.

  • Thalente Mbatha, Orlando PiratesBackpagepix

    CENTRAL MIDFIELDER: Thalente Mbatha

    Recent criticisms from the Buccaneers fans have been directed at Mbatha and he will aim to prove his critics wrong in this significant match.

  • Patrick Maswanganyi, Orlando Pirates, August 2024Backpagepix

    ATTACKING MIDFIDLDER: Patrick Maswanganyi

    Tito makes Riveiro's team tick and his performance in this match could be vital.

  • Deon Hotto, Orlando PiratesBackpage

    RIGHT ATTACKER: Deon Hotto

    The Spanish coach might prefer Deon Hotto over Mohau Nkota in the right-wing position considering the magnitude of the game. H

  • Relebohile Mofokeng, Orlando PiratesBackpage

    LEFT ATTACKER: Relebohile Mofokeng

    The youngster tends to up his game when facing Sundowns and he will be hoping to upset the Tshwane giants once more, as he did in the Nedbank Cup final last year.

  • Tshegfatso Mabasa, Orlando Pirates MTN8 vs Stellenbosch, October 2024BackPagePix

    CENTRE-FORWARD: Tshegofatso Mabasa

    Sniper, as the diligent striker is affectionately known, did not score in the last two games and he will be determined to find the back of the net.