Defending Betway Premiership champions Orlando Pirates have named a strong starting line-up for their opening match of the 2026/27 season against league newcomers Milford FC at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday afternoon.
The Buccaneers begin the campaign as the team to beat after ending Mamelodi Sundowns’ eight-year dominance to lift the league title last season.
LIVE | Orlando Pirates vs Milford FC
They also completed a memorable domestic treble by winning the MTN8 and Carling Knockout.
Head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has entrusted Sipho Chaine in goal, with captain Nkosinathi Sibisi marshaling the defence alongside Lebone Seema.
Oswin Appollis and Tshepang Moremi have both been handed starts, while Kabelo Dlamini, Patrick Maswanganyi and Thalente Mbatha are expected to provide the creative spark in midfield.
Milford FC, meanwhile, make their Betway Premiership debut after securing promotion via last season’s promotion/relegation playoffs, where they overcame Magesi FC and Cape Town City.
The KwaZulu-Natal outfit also enjoyed a memorable Nedbank Cup run last season, reaching the semi-finals, but face a daunting first assignment against the reigning champions.
Kick-off is at 15:00.
Orlando Pirates starting XI
Chaine, Sibisi, Seema, Sebelebele, Hotto, Dansin, Mbatha, Maswanganyi, Moremi, Appollis, Mbuthuma
Substitutes: Dladla, Kgotsitsile, Masilela, Zulu, Mariko, Mthiyane, Radiopane, Lungu, Rapoo
