Fresh off an unforgettable treble-winning campaign, Orlando Pirates officially raise the curtain on their title defence against newcomers Milford FC this afternoon.
The Buccaneers head into this fixture with plenty of new faces following a busy transfer window. In fact, no less than nine new faces have joined the club.
Striking the right balance between continuity and integration will be key for Abdeslam Ouaddou, who will be eager to avoid a repeat of last season’s stumbling start which saw the Buccaneers lose their opening two matches.
Milford will arrive with nothing to lose, eager to cause a massive upset against the champions. But the Buccaneers have too much quality, and here is how we expect them to line up to get the job done today.
How Orlando Pirates could lineup for Milford clash
Sipho Chaine is almost certain to start in goal. He is the club’s number one for good reason, and last season’s record-breaking run will keep him at the top of the Bucs goalkeeping pecking order for a long time.
New signing Neo Rapoo could make his official debut for the club at the expense of veteran star Deon Hotto. Apart from Rapoo, Ouaddou is expected to stick with his tried and tested warriors.
In the middle of the park, Bafana star Thalente Mbatha is likely to be partnered by Simphiwe Salepe with Patrick Maswanganyi playing ahead of them in the number 10 role.
In attack it may very well be all out pace with Oswin Appollis and Tshepang Moremi alternating down either flank and Boitumelo Radiopane down the middle.
Predicted XI: Chaine – Sebelebele, Seema, Sibisi, Rapoo – Mbatha, Salepe, Maswanganyi – Moremi, Radiopane, Appollis
Action at the Orlando stadium between Pirates and Milford is scheduled to get underway at 15:00.
Photo: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images
