Deon Hotto of Orlando Pirates celebrates goal with teammates during the DStv Premiership 2021/22 match between Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch on 21 August 2021 at Orlando Stadium / Pic Sydney Mahlangu/BackapagePix

Orlando Pirates starting XI: CAF Confederation Cup vs LPRC Oilers – Prediction

Here we try to predict the Orlando Pirates starting XI for their CAF Confederation Cup match against LPRC Oilers on Sunday.

by James Richardson

27-11-2021 21:10

in Soccer

Orlando Pirates may hope that their recent return to form continues as they seek progression in the CAF Confederation Cup.

Pirates have jetted to Liberia for their clash against LPRC Oilers at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Stadium in Paynesville.

Here we try to predict the Orlando Pirates starting XI for their match against LPRC Oilers on Sunday.

Orlando Pirates starting XI prediction

Siyabonga Mpontshane was largely untroubled in his last outing, and there is no reason to relieve the veteran stopper of the gloves right now with Richard Ofori still sidelined.

Despite the return of Innocent Maela, the coaches should back Paseka Mako to continue at left-back.

At right-back injury seems to have sidelined Bandile Shandu, and that should pave the way for Kwanda Mngonyama to reclaim a starting berth.

The centre back pairing is a problem area for Orlando Pirates with Happy Jele injured and Thulani Hlatshwayo seemingly out of favour, which means we might see Abel Mabaso paired with Ntsikelelo Nyauza. Olisah Ndah has been excellent in the league but is not registered for CAF competition.

In central midfield, we expect to see Pirates revert to the tried and tested pairing of Thabang Monare and Ben Motshwari.

The pairing of Monare and Motshwari should allow Fortune Makaringe to play in a more advanced role, to which his game is more suited.

Up front Linda Mntambo and Deon Hotto should provide width while Kwame Peprah could be asked to lead the line.

Orlando Pirates starting XI (predicted)

Siyabonga Mpontshane, Paseka Mako, Abel Mabaso, Ntsikelelo Nyauza, Kwanda Mngonyama, Thabang Monare, Ben Motshwari, Fortune Makaringe, Deon Hotto, Linda Mntambo, Kwame Peprah.