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Patrick Maswanganyi, Sihle Nduli and Thalente Mbatha of Orlando PiratesBackpagepix

Predicting Orlando Pirates' XI to play Richards Bay in Carling Knockout semi-final - Chippa United-linked midfielder to replace Sihle Nduli as Relebohile Mofokeng start?

Orlando Pirates are set to play Richards Bay at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday from 15h00.

The Sea Robbers made the last four after getting past Siwelele and the holders Magesi, respectively, in the previous hurdles.

The Natal Rich Boys beat Chippa United and Durban City to get an opportunity to face the Soweto giants, who fell in the Round of 16 last season.  

GOAL predicts how Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou could select his starting line-up against Richards Bay.

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  • Sipho Chaine, Orlando Pirates, October 2025Backpage

    GOALKEEPER: Sipho Chaine

    The Bafana Bafana international has been the reason why Orlando Pirates have been doing well across all competitions.

    The custodian has played 16 domestic games in all tournaments, keeping nine clean sheets in the process, of which one has been in the Carling Knockout.   

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  • Thabiso Lebitso, Orlando Pirates, August 2025Backpagepix

    RIGHT-BACK: Thabiso Lebitso

    The former Chippa United star is slowly getting back to his best despite being slowed down by injuries, especially last season and part of the ongoing campaign.

    The right-back has already played nine games this season for the club, with a goal to his name. 

  • Nkosikhona Ndaba, Orlando PiratesBackpagepix

    LEFT-BACK: Nkosikhona Ndaba

    At 35, the Namibia international Deon Hotto is proving his critics wrong with string showings for the team from his left-back position.

    However, Ndaba did well against Arrows on Wednesday, forcing the opponents to score an own goal en route to the 3-1 win.

    The 23-year-old might get another chance this weekend.   

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  • Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Orlando Pirates, October 2025Backpage

    CENTRE-BACK: Mbekezeli Mbokazi

    The 20-year-old has established himself at the Buccaneers since getting his chance in March, and is now a full international with South Africa.

    Mbokazi was rested in the win over Golden Arrows in the midweek Premier Soccer League outing, only to play a few minutes.

    He is a strong contender to replace club captain Nkosinathi Sibisi.  

  • Lebone Seema of Orlando PiratesBackpagepix

    CENTRE-BACK: Lebone Seema

    The former TS Galaxy central defender has always backed Ouaddou's decision to prefer him over captain Nkosinathi Sibisi.

    When he joined at the beginning of the season, a few gave him a chance, but right now, he is the main man alongside Mbokazi. 

  • Thalente Mbatha, Orlando Pirates, October 2025Backpage

    CENTRAL MIDFIELDER: Thalente Mbatha

    Sihle Nduli has made the defensive role his own at the club, locking out the impressive Mbatha until the game against Arrows, which saw the former get injured. 

    As a result, Mbatha will definitely want to make a statement and show Ouaddou why he deserves to be considered regularly. 

    Simphiwe Selepe, who has been linked with a loan move to Orbit College and Chippa United, is also an option for Ouaddou.

  • Banele Mnguni, Polokwane City & Masindi Nemtajela, Orlando PiratesBackpagepix

    CENTRAL MIDFIELFDER: Masindi Nemtajela

    Being selected ahead of Thalente Mbatha and Sipho Mbule on several occasions proves that Nemtajela has been doing a good job in Ouaddou's eyes.  

    The midfielder is motivated having made the final Bafana Bafana squad for the international friendly match against Zambia. 

  • Sipho Mbule, Orlando Pirates, October 2025Backpage

    ATTACKING MIDFIELDER: Sipho Mbule

    Despite his heroics against Mamelodi Sundowns, Ouaddou opted to give Sipho Mbule his chance in the win over Manqoba Mngqithi's men. 

    The former Mamelodi Sundowns man might start ahead of Patrick Maswanganyi, who shone from the bench in the last outing.

  • Oswin Appollis, Orlando Pirates, October 2025Backpage

    LEFT ATTACKER: Oswin Appollis

    The South Africa international has been excellent for the Sea Robbers since joining from Polokwane City at the beginning of the season.

    His pace, intelligence, and eye for goal in the final third make him a danger at any given time. 

  • Tshepang Moremi, Orlando Pirates, October 2025Backpage

    RIGHT ATTACKER: Tshepang Moremi

    Moremi is another new signing who has adapted really well and has now won the heart of the technical team. 

    The winger was rewarded with a call-up by Bafana Bafana ahead of the international friendly game against Chipolopolo of Zambia.

  • Evidence Makgopa, Orlando PiratesBackpage

    CENTRE-FORWARD: Evidence Makgopa

    Even if he does not score, Makgopa puts immense pressure on opposition defenders, making it easy for his fellow attackers to create attempts at goal. 

    But he will now have to take his chances in front of the goal, especially with Mbuthuma's exploits from the bench.

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