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Relebohile Mofokeng, Jose Riveiro, Orlando Pirates, October 2024Backpagepix
Dumisani Koyana

Predicting Orlando Pirates XI to face Richards Bay in the Nedbank Cup - Will Jose Riveiro stick to his big guns?

The Soweto giants kick off their Nedbank Cup defence with a tricky clash against Richards Bay on Sunday.

It has been a week since Orlando Pirates played a competitive game.

Their league fixture against Royal AM was canceled due to off-the-field issues, which may have disrupted Jose Riveiro's preparations.

However, given how well the team has performed this season, they should be ready to compete.

The Bucs have already secured one trophy this season and are eager to add the Nedbank Cup to their cabinet.

To do so, they must overcome a determined Richards Bay side at the King Zwelithini Stadium.

Here, GOAL predicts Pirates' starting XI and how Riveiro is likely to line up against Richards Bay.

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  • Sipho Chaine and Thabiso Sesane, Orlando PiratesBackpage

    GOALKEEPER: Sipho Chaine

    He has been performing well as the number-one goalkeeper. After 11 league games, he has kept five clean sheets. Chaine is a reliable last line of defence, showcasing his ability to handle one-on-one situations effectively.

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  • Siyabonga Ndlozi, Orlando Pirates, January 2025.Orlando Pirates

    RIGHT-BACK: Siyabonga Ndlozi

    After having a decent game in his debut, coming on for the injured Thabiso Lebitso, the youngster impressed and deserves to be rewarded with a starting place.

  • Paseka Mako, Orlando PiratesBackpage

    LEFT-BACK: Paseka Mako

    Though short in stature, he has the heart of a lion. Mako isn’t afraid to tackle, has the energy to join attacks, and is excellent in one-on-one situations.

  • Thabiso Sesane, Orlando Pirates, August 2024Backpagepix

    CENTRE-BACK: Thabiso Sesane

    Rock-solid in defence, Sesane shows leadership qualities, starts the ball effectively from the back, and helps control the game.

  • Nkosinathi Sibisi, Orlando Pirates, September 2024Backpagepix

    CENTRE-BACK: Nkosinathi Sibisi

    Since regaining his place in the team, the Bafana Bafana international has been leading from the back, marshalling the defence, and excelling in aerial duels.

  • Makhehlene Makhaula, Orlando Pirates, September 2024Backpagepix

    CENTRAL MIDFIELDER: Makhehleni Makhaula

    He maintains the team's shape in midfield, gets stuck into tackles, covers the defence well, and contributes to the attack.

  • Thalente Mbatha, Orlando PiratesBackpage

    CENTRAL MIDFIELDER: Thalent Mbatha

    While he has been inconsistent lately, often losing possession in crucial areas, the youngster has a powerful shot and the ability to both score and create goals.

  • Kabelo Dlamini of Orlando PiratesBackpagepix

    ATTACKING MIDFIELDER: Kabelo Dlamini

    Coming on as a substitute in the previous game in Egypt, the left-footed midfielder adds a fresh dynamic in midfield. He has a great eye for finding passes behind the defence and is a capable set-piece taker.

  • Mohau Nkota, Orlando PiratesBackpage

    RIGHT ATTACKER:Mohau Nkota

    Although in the last game, he was on the bench, Nkota is in excellent form. He is tricky on the right-hand side, often cutting in to create or score goals.

  • Relebohile Mofokeng, Orlando Pirates

    LEFT ATTACKER: Relebohile Mofokeng

    The man of the moment, Mofokeng has been exceptional in continental competitions. He is the player that makes this Pirates team tick.

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

    CENTRE-FORWARD: Tshegofatso Mabasa

    A natural goal-poacher, Mabasa is also a hardworking striker who contributes by defending from the front.

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