+18 | Commercial Content | T&C's Apply | Play Responsibly | Publishing Principles
Deon Hotto, Makhehleni Makhaula and Mohau Nkota, Orlando PiratesBackpage

Predicting Orlando Pirates' XI to face Marumo Gallants as the Soweto giants seek to pile pressure on Mamelodi Sundowns - Bandile Shandu to make way for Mohau Nkota?

Orlando Pirates continue with their bid to win their first Premier Soccer League title since 2012 when they visit Marumo Gallants at Free State Stadium on Saturday.

The Buccaneers trail leaders Mamelodi Sundowns by 15 points but have played four fewer games.

Supended Pirates coach Jose Riveiro will be watching the match from the stands, but GOAL predicts how he could select his starting lineup.

Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱
  • Sipho Chaine, Orlando Pirates, February 2025.Orlando Pirates

    GOALKEEPER: Sipho Chaine

    Chaine has conceded seven goals in Pirates' last four games, and that is not pleasant reading for a goalkeeper trying to cement his place in the Bafana Bafana setup.

  • Advertisement
  • Deano van Rooyen, Orlando PiratesBackpage

    RIGHT-BACK: Deano van Rooyen

    Van Rooyen has cemented his place on the right side of Pirates' defence and has justified his selection with some consistent performances.

  • Deon Hotto, Orlando PiratesBackpage

    LEFT-BACK: Deon Hotto

    Versatile on the left channel, Hotto is effective either as a full-back or a winger.

  • Tapelo Xoki, Orlando Pirates

    CENTRE-BACK: Tapelo Xoki

    He returned from a long-term injury to aptly fit in without showing any rust as he perfectly executes his duties.

  • Nkosinathi Sibisi, Orlando Pirates, September 2024Backpagepix

    CENTRE-BACK: Nkosinathi Sibisi

    Sibisi and Xoki might want to sit down and reflect on the way the Buccaneers have been conceding goals, only to be saved by scoring attackers.

  • Makhehlene Makhaula, Orlando Pirates, September 2024Backpagepix

    CENTRAL MIDFIELDER: Makhehlene Makhaula

    Makhaula quietly does his business in the middle of the park while showing his experience and that has been crucial for the Buccaneers.

  • Thalente Mbatha, Orlando PiratesBackpagepix

    CENTRAL MIDFIELDER: Thalente Mbatha

    His long drives are something Gallants should be wary of least they could be hurt by Mbatha.

  • Patrick Maswanganyi Orlando PiratesBackpagepix

    ATTACKING MIDFIELDER: Patrick Maswanganyi

    Maswanganyi has not been in top form lately and would be keen on rising during this game.

  • Mohau Nkota, Orlando PiratesBackpage

    RIGHT ATTACKER: Mohau Nkota

    Nkota has been coming on from the bench of late and he might start to revive his combination with Relebohile Mofokeng.

  • Relebohile Mofokeng, Orlando PiratesBackpage

    LEFT ATTACKER: Relebohile Mofokeng

    The slippery winger has been touted to achieve big things in his career and could end the match with a goal or an assist.

  •  Tshegofatso Mabasa, Orlando Pirates, February 2025Orlando Pirates

    CENTRE-FORWARD: Tshegofatso Mabasa

    He was on target against Cape Town City last week and has justified why he is being selected ahead of Evidence Makgopa with five league goals in eight starts.