Predicting Orlando Pirates' XI to face Sekhukhune United in PSL opener - Kamogelo Sebelebele or Oswin Appollis, who will start?

After impressively outclassing Polokwane City in the MTN8 quarter-final, another challenge awaits Bucs as they begin their top-flight campaign at home.

Orlando Pirates begin their Premier Soccer League campaign with a game against Sekhukhune United on Saturday at Orlando Stadium.

After a signing spree that saw the Pirates' squad strengthened, the fans are ambitiously waiting to see how their team will perform this time around.

For three seasons, they finished second, and as the new era under Abdeslam Ouaddou begins, the Soweto giants hope to win the PSL title for the first time since 2011/12.

To achieve that ambition, a good start to the new campaign is required, as this will set a positive momentum for them.

Ouadddou has already had enough time with his squad in the Spain pre-season tour, where he experimented with various playing structures. A glimpse into his preferred squad was also seen in what he deployed against Polokwane City in the MTN8 quarter-final.

Now, as the focus shifts to the league, GOAL takes a look at how the Moroccan can line up his charges.

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GOALKEEPER: Sipho Chaine
His place within the posts has never fallen into doubt, as he has proven that indeed he deserves to keep that position.
He kept a clean sheet against Polokwane City and hopes to achieve the same in his first game of the new season.

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RIGHT-BACK: Deano van Rooyen
He was one of the consistent top performers for Bucs last season, and when fit, the former Stellenbosch fullback has his place in the starting XI intact.
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LEFT-BACK: Deon Hotto
The Namibian is expected to enjoy the prominence he did under Jose Riveiro under the new tactician.

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CENTRE-BACK: Nkosinathi Sibisi
The captain must marshal the defence solidly to ensure it remains as firm as possible.
He is set to be under a renewed spotlight after he was elected as the new captain.
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CENTRE-BACK: Mbekezeli Mbokazi
A very promising figure in the Pirates' backline. Ouaddou has shown that he has trust and faith in the youngster, given how he has been prominently featured under the new coach in the last games.
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CENTRAL MIDFIELDER: Sihle Nduli
Makhehlene Makhaula remains a doubt, and Nduli should start once again after impressing against Polokwane.
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CENTRAL MIDFIELDER: Sipho Mbule
As the new season begins, his new life at Pirates is expected to be immensely scrutinised given the off-pitch issues he was reportedly linked with in his previous clubs.
In the pre-season and against Polokwane, he showed some individual brilliance. Is he ready to rejuvenate his career? He has the stage to do it now.
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ATTACKING MIDFIELDER: Patrick Maswanganyi
With his creativity and how he performed in the MTN8, Ouaddou is expected to field him again ahead of Kabelo Dlamini.
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RIGHT ATTACKER: Relebohile Mofokeng
The youngster was a top performer last season, and despite the speculation around his future, the fans and the technical bench expect the best from him.
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LEFT ATTACKER: Oswin Appollis
He is proving that indeed the Pirates made a wise move to sign him. His performance against Polokwane City signalled a player who is ready to deliver for the Soweto giants.
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CENTRE-FORWARD - Evidence Makgopa
Ouaddou lined up Boitumelo Radiopane against Polokwane, and Evidence Makgopa and Tshegofatso Mabasa were absent.
Will Ouaddou trust him again at the expense of Evidence Makgopa and Tshegofatso Mabasa?