THOHOYANDOU, SOUTH AFRICA – JANUARY 13: Fortune Makaringe of Orlando Pirates celebrates goal during the DStv Premiership match between Tshakhuma FC and Orlando Pirates at Thohoyandou Stadium on January 13, 2021 in Thohoyandou, South Africa. (Photo by Sydney Mahlangu/BackPagePix/Gallo Images)

Orlando Pirates starting XI prediction: CAF Confederation Cup vs Diables Noirs

Here we look at how Orlando Pirates could line up against Diables Noirs in the CAF Confederation Cup on Sunday 24 October 2021.

by James Richardson

22-10-2021 19:21

in Soccer

Orlando Pirates will be reasonably happy after returning from Congo-Brazzaville with a goalless draw but still have it all to do in the return leg.

Here we look at how Orlando Pirates could line up against Diables Noirs on Sunday 24 October 2021.

Orlando Pirates starting XI prediction

With a string of clean sheets to his name, Siyabonga Mpontshane will continue in the Orlando Pirates goal as Richard Ofori is still on the shelf.

Bandile Shandu needs to bounce back from a string of mediocre efforts at the back and while the coaches will want more he should still get another chance to impress.

On the other flank, Paseka Mako has been consistently good all season and should start again.

Zinedine Zidane makes call on Manchester United job

Happy Jele was excellent against Maritzburg United while his new partner Olisa Ndah made an impressive debut and could be rewarded with another start on Sunday.

Orlando Pirates vs Diables Noirs: LIVE STREAM – WATCH!

Orlando Pirates Starting XI — Thulani Hlatshwayo and Happy Jele of Orlando Pirates during the DStv Premiership 2021/22 football match between Orlando Pirates and Swallows FC at Orlando Stadium, Johannesburg on 11 September 2021 ©Gavin Barker/BackpagePix

Despite a good shift from Thabang Monare on the defensive midfield role against the Team of Choice, we’d expect Abel Mabaso to return to the role he has made his own this season.

Orlando Pirates might want to look for a different balance in the middle of the park and could turn to Goodman Mosele and Fortune Makaringe here.

SOCCER QUIZ | Test your football knowledge and you could WIN R1 000 in cellphone data!

After a disappointing outing last time out we expect Terrence Dzvukamanja to make way for Kabelo Dlamini up front.

Deon Hotto and Tshegofatso Mabasa should complete the strike force with Orlando Pirates short on genuine attacking options.

Orlando Pirates starting XI (Predicted)

Siyabonga Mpontshane, Paseka Mako, Happy Jele, Olisa Ndah, Bandile Shandu, Abel Mabaso, Goodman Mosele, Fortune Makaringe, Kabelo Dlamini, Deon Hotto, Tshegofatso Mabasa.