Following Saturday’s 2-0 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns in the 2026 MTN8 final, Orlando Pirates will be looking to bounce back.
TS Galaxy visit the Orlando Amstel Arena on Tuesday at 19:30. Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is expected to make at least three changes.
ORLANDO PIRATES CHANGES TO EXPECT
With just two days’ rest, Ouaddou is most likely to rotate players in the most demanding positions. Anticipate rotation at full-back, with one change already confirmed.
Right-back Kamogelo Sebelebele has been ruled out through injury. Ghampani Lungu is expected to move from his right-wing role to fill in at right-back.
On the left, Deon Hotto is likely to drop to the bench for Nkosikhona Ndaba. This rotation has become a regular pattern. After making a sparkling substitute appearance against Sundowns last weekend, Masilela is expected to reclaim his place in the team.
Oswin Appollis is expected to replace Tshepang Moremi on the left wing, while Kabelo Kgositsile fills Lungu’s vacancy on the right wing.
EXPECTED STARTING LINE-UP
Goalkeeper: Sipho Chaine, Right-back: Ghampani Lungu, Central defender: Nkosinathi Sibisi, Central defender: Lebone Seema, Left-back: Nkosikhona Ndaba, Defensive midfielder: Thalente Mbatha, Central midfielder: Thapelo Mokobodi, Right winger: Kabelo Kgositsile, Left winger: Oswin Appollis, Attacking midfielder: Simphiwe Masilela, Striker: Yanela Mbuthuma.
PREVIOUS MEETING
Orlando Pirates and TS Galaxy square up again since 22 March last season, a 6-0 routing in favour of the Buccaneers away at the Mbombela Stadium.
TS Galaxy’s Lentswe Motaung saw red when he was given his marching order early in the night. The Sea Robbers quickly took advange with Relebohile Mofokeng opening the scoring.
Tshepang Moremi doubled their lead in the 41st minute before an own goal by TS Galaxy’s Mlungisi Mbunjana made it 3-0 just before halftime. Orlando Pirates maintained their attacking dominance after the break. Mofokeng scored again to make it 4-0 before Kamogelo Sebelebele added the fifth goal in the 64th minute.
Mofokeng completed his hat-trick to seal an emphatic 6-0 victory, a result that temporarily sent Orlando Pirates to the top of the league standings.
DO YOU SEE ANOTHER BIG WIN FOR ORLANDO PIRATES?
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