Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has made three changes to his starting XI for Sunday afternoon’s Betway Premiership meeting with Chippa United at Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium.
The Buccaneers are looking to return to winning ways after being held to a 1-1 draw by AmaZulu in their previous league match. The fixture is scheduled for a 15:00 kick-off.
Hotto, Mokobodi and Appollis Return
Ouaddou has reshuffled his team with Deon Hotto, Thapelo Mokobodi and Oswin Appollis coming into the starting lineup.
The trio replace Nkosikhona Ndaba, Sihle Nduli and Tshepang Moremi as Pirates seek a stronger performance against Chippa.
The changes give the defending champions a different look in attack and midfield as they attempt to add another victory to their early-season campaign.
Pirates Starting XI Confirmed
Orlando Pirates will begin the match with Sipho Chaine in goal.
The starting lineup is:
Sipho Chaine; Nkosinathi Sibisi, Lebone Seema, Kamogelo Sebelebele; Deon Hotto, Cameron Dansin, Thapelo Mokobodi, Gamphani Lungu; Patrick Mswanganyi, Oswin Appollis, Yanela Mbhuthuma.
The substitutes are Siyabonga Dladla, Kabelo Kgositsile, Simphiwe Masilela, Daniel Msendami, Sbangani Zulu, Mthetheleli Mthiyane, Bontumelo Radiopane, Neo Rapoo and Abdoulaye Mariko.
Chippa Take Temporary Home Advantage
Chippa United will host the Buccaneers at Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium, with the Durban venue serving as a temporary home for the Chilli Boys while work continues on pitches at their usual Eastern Cape venues.
Chippa enter the match looking for their first league victory of the campaign after drawing their opening matches.
Pirates Begin Title Defence Strongly
Pirates opened their title defence with a 2-0 victory over Milford FC before being forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against AmaZulu.
The result left the Buccaneers with four points from their opening two matches, putting pressure on the side to avoid dropping further points as the early-season table begins to take shape.
Head-to-Head Record Favors the Buccaneers
History provides Pirates with plenty of confidence heading into the contest.
The Soweto club has dominated the fixture in recent years and, according to current head-to-head data, has not lost to Chippa in their last eight meetings, winning seven and drawing one.
Chippa, however, will hope their temporary home advantage can help them produce a surprise result against the reigning champions.
Chippa Face a Major Early-Season Test
With both teams entering the match after draws, there is plenty at stake despite the campaign still being in its early stages.
Pirates will be determined to keep pace with the teams at the top of the table, while Chippa will see the encounter as an opportunity to claim a statement result against one of South Africa‘s biggest clubs.
The 15:00 kick-off at Kings Park therefore sets up an intriguing test for Ouaddou’s revamped Pirates side.
