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Miguel Timm, Orlando PiratesBackpage
Clifton Mabasa

Predicting Orlando Pirates' XI to face Stade d’Abidjan in Caf Champions League clash - Miguel Timm in, Makhehleni Makhaula out? Jose Riveiro to decide

Bucs travelled to Ivory Coast for their eagerly awaited Caf Champions match against les Yéyés, and GOAL analyzes who might start on Saturday.

Orlando Pirates aim for their second victory when they lock horns against Stade d’Abidjan on Saturday at the Stade Félix Houphouët Boigny Stadium.

The Buccaneers, who have secured one win and one draw, are in second place in the Group C standings of the Caf Champions League, while the Ivorian team sits at the bottom of the table with no victories.

Jose Riveiro had numerous players available in their previous match against Al Ahly and that is the case heading into this clash.

Here, GOAL looks at how the Spanish tactician might line up his players for the away match against d’Abidjan.

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  • Sipho Chaine, Orlando PiratesBackpage

    GOALKEEPER: Sipho Chaine

    Chaine keeps on getting better with each game, and he is expected to be between poles in Ivory Coast.

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  • Deano van Rooyen, Orlando PiratesBackpage

    RIGHT-BACK: Deano Van Rooyen

    The dedicated defender is poised to start ahead of Thabiso Monyane in the right-back role.

  • Deon Hotto, Orlando PiratesBackpage

    LEFT-BACK: Deon Hotto

    The Namibia international was required to play upfront against Al Ahly as Paseka Mako occupied the left-back position. Hotto could revert to the left-back role in this match.

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  • Nkosinathi Sibisi, Orlando Pirates, September 2024Backpagepix

    CENTRE-BACK: Nkosinathi Sibisi

    He continues to guide the team in the absence of Olisa Ndah and Tapelo Xoki, while the club's captain Innocent Maela has become less favored by Riveiro.

  • Thabiso Sesane, Orlando Pirates, August 2024Backpagepix

    CENTRE-BACK: Thabiso Sesane

    Sesane has been impressive for the Buccaneers since the start of the season and with his competitors out injured, he is likely to continue to be partnered with Sibisi. 

  • Makhehlene MakhaulaGOAL

    CENTRAL MIDFIELDER: Makhehlene Makhaula

    Out of favour Miguel Timm came on during the later stages at Orlando Stadium last Saturday. It is very unlikely that he will start ahead of Makhaula.

  • Thalente Mbatha, Orlando PiratesBackpagepix

    CENTRAL MIDFIELDER: Thalente Mbatha

    The Bafana Bafana international was not at his best against Percy Tau's team, but he played a vital role in helping the Soweto giants secure a point.

  • Patrick Maswanganyi, Orlando PiratesBackpage

    ATTACKING MIDFIELDER: Patrick Maswanganyi

    The fan-favourite star missed the match against Ahly, reportedly due to personal health concerns, he is expected to make a comeback in this important encounter.

  • Monnapule Saleng, Orlando Pirates, August 2024Backpagepix

    RIGHT ATTACKER: Monnapule Saleng

    He demonstrated his value in his comeback against the 12-time Caf Champions League winners. It might be difficult for Riveiro to start Mohau Nkota ahead of the experienced Saleng.

  • Relebohile Mofokeng Orlando PiratesBackpagepix

    LEFT ATTACKER: Relebohile Mofokeng

    The young talent will be looking to improve on his disappointing performance in the club's latest match.

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

    CENTRE-FORWARD: Tshegofatso Mabasa

    Evidence Makgopa had a poor performance against the Red Devils, so Riveiro might offer Mabasa the opportunity to start in this match.

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