Pirates

Thembinkosi Lorch of Orlando Pirates during the DStv Premiership 2022/23 match between Stellenbosch FC and Orlando Pirates held at Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch on 10 August 2022 © Shaun Roy/BackpagePix

Orlando Pirates: Predicting the Bucs starting XI vs Swallows

Orlando Pirates will be keen to bounce back from their Soweto Derby defeat with a win…in another Soweto Derby. How will they line up?

Pirates

Thembinkosi Lorch of Orlando Pirates during the DStv Premiership 2022/23 match between Stellenbosch FC and Orlando Pirates held at Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch on 10 August 2022 © Shaun Roy/BackpagePix

The Orlando Pirates squad is currently adversely affected by injuries and suspensions ahead of the original Soweto Derby encounter against Swallows.

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Orlando Pirates predicted XI vs Swallows

Chaine; Monyane, Ndah, Xoki, Mako; Timm, Motshwari; Saleng, Lorch, Pule; Dzvukamanja

With regular central defenders Innocent Maela and Nkosinathi Sibisi both suspended, Tapelo Xoki will keep his place. He’ll partner up with the fit-again Nigerian star Olisa Ndah. Paseka Mako will return to his more customary left-back slot.

In midfield, the experienced Ben Motshwari will slot in with Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo likely to be on the bench and Thabang Monare out injured. He’ll be alongside Miguel Timm. Monnapule Saleng, once of Moroka Swallows, will be a key figure once more for the Buccaneers in a wide attacking role.

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Orlando Pirates
Bucs and Bafana man Monnapule Saleng. Photo: @orlandopirates / twitter

Kermit on the fringes

Could Evidence Makgopa and Kermit Erasmus also be staking a claim for a place in this side? Will Pirates claim three critical Soweto Derby points at Dobsonville Stadium? Hit us up in the comments. Kickoff tonight from Dobsonville Stadium is at 19:30.

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Orlando Pirates fans Soweto derby
Orlando Pirates fans expectant on Soweto Derby Day. Image: BackpagePix

For more insights, analysis and love for the beautiful game, hit up James Freemantle.

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