Orlando Pirates fans are expectant on Soweto Derby Day. Image: BackpagePix
Predicted Orlando Pirates XI vs Mamelodi Sundowns
Orlando Pirates have a titanic task against Mamelodi Sundowns but they’re on a three-match winning streak. Here’s our predicted Bucs XI.
Orlando Pirates fans are expectant on Soweto Derby Day. Image: BackpagePix
Orlando Pirates face the seemingly unstoppable Mamelodi Sundowns this weekend.
The Buccaneers may have a few aces up their sleeve though. This is how we expect them to line up against the Brazilians.
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Predicted Orlando Pirates XI vs Sundowns
Chaine; Shandu, Xoki, Sibisi, Mako; Timm, Makhaula; Saleng, Ndlondlo, Hotto; Dzvukamanja
There’s not much reason for Jose Riveiro to change a winning formula. However, we could see a debut for the classy midfielder Makhehlene Makhaula who recently signed from AmaZulu. That could mean a substitutes role for Thabang Monare. Riveiro could also keep Makhaula on the bench and ease him into the action.
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Buccaneers aiming to turn around awful record vs Sundowns
Pirates have an absolutely atrocious recent record against the Brazilians in league encounters, losing five of the last six PSL meetings between the sides, while the other match in that sequence was a 0-0 draw. Pirates are winless in the league against Masandawana since January 2020.
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Can they begin to put that right this weekend? Bucs fans around Mzansi will be desperate that they can, aided by a few new stars Pirates have won each of their last three DStv Premiership matches, and a win here would send them up to second in the log. Huge incentives. It should be a cracker.
Thoughts on this team, Buccaneers? Kickoff vs Sundowns on Saturday February 4th is at 15:30.
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