Pirates starting 11 with three new signings

Orlando Pirates’ new arrivals in July 2023 were Katlego Otladisa, Siphelo Baloni, Melusi Buthelezi, and Patrick Maswanganyi. Three newer faces arrived in January.

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NEW ORLANDO PIRATES SIGNINGS

As announced by the Sea Robbers last month, the new arrivals are Thalente Mbatha (23) from SuperSport United, and Thabiso Lebitso (28) from Chippa United.

Additionally, Tshegofatso Mabasa (27) has returned from a loan spell at Moroka Swallows.

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With Mbatha playing in central midfield, Mabasa being a center forward, while Lebitso is a winger that is rumoured to be moving into a wing-back role. So how will they fit in Jose Riveiro’s set-up?

Thabiso Lebitso (left), Thalente Mbatha (right). Image: @orlandopirates/X.

NEW STARTING LINE-UP

With the likes of Miguel Timm losing a bit of pace, and Thabang Monare set to enjoy a brief break after Afcon 2023, Mbatha could partner Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo in central midfield or Siphelelo Baloni, if not all three of them in a three-man midfield.

Thabiso Monyane, Bandile Shandu and Fortune Makaringe might have not convinced the Pirates coach at right-back yet. Enter Lebitso.

Lastly, Evidence Makgopa and Zakhele Lepasa need a breather after that much football for Bafana Bafana in Ivory Coast, Mabasa will therefore step in up front.

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New lineup: Melusi Buthelezi, Thabiso Lebitso, Tapelo Xoki, Olisa Ndah, Deon Hotto, Thalente Mbatha, Siphelo Baloni, Ndabayithethwa Ndlodlo, Patrick Maswangwanyi, Relebohile Mofokeng and Tshegofatso Mabasa.

What do you think of this Pirates line-up? Let us know in the comments section below.