It’s another thrilling weekend for Orlando Pirates fans as the Buccaneers gear up for matchday two of the CAF Champions League.
After a dominant 3-0 victory in Bloemfontein during the first leg, the Pirates return to Orlando Stadium this Saturday to take on Lioli.
With such a commanding advantage, it’s hard to imagine them faltering dramatically and being forced into penalties—or worse, suffering a 4-0 defeat that would knock them out in regulation time.
Coach Ouaddou Set to Rotate His Squad Amid Busy Fixture Schedule
Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou faces a delicate balancing act.
Just four days ago, the Pirates secured a hard-fought 1-0 win over Siwelele FC, and now he must prepare the team for a CAF clash while keeping players fresh for upcoming domestic challenges.
With the high-flying TS Galaxy match on Tuesday, rotation will be key.
Several players have been virtually ever-present this season. Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Sihle Nduli, Lebone Seema, Oswin Appollis, and Deon Hott have featured in all 11 games so far—six in the Betway Premiership, four in the MTN8, and one in the CAF Champions League.
Mbokazi and Appollis, in particular, have been busy after recent appearances for Bafana Bafana.
Saturday offers the perfect opportunity to rest these regular starters and give squad players a chance to shine.
Hungry Squad Players Ready to Step Up
Captain Nkosinathi Sibisi, now back from injury, is eager to slot in for Mbokazi in central defence.
Nkosikhona Ndaba has been making a strong case at left back, while Abdoulaye Mariko and Masindi Nemtajela have impressed in midfield coming off the bench.
Up front, Tshephang Moremi and Evidence Makgopa have also caught the eye with their energy and creativity during substitute appearances.
Predicted Orlando Pirates Line-Up vs Lioli
Goalkeeper: Sipho Chaine
Right back: Thabiso Lebitso
Central defenders: Lebone Seema, Nkosinathi Sibisi
Left back: Nkosikhona Ndaba
Midfielders: Abdoulaye Mariko, Masindi Nemtajela, Sipho Mbule
Forwards: Relebohile Mofokeng, Evidence Makgopa, Tshephang Moremi
The game is set to kick off at 15:00 at Orlando Stadium, and fans will be hoping for another confident performance from the Buccaneers as they look to secure a smooth passage to the next round.