It’s matchday two of the CAF Champions League. Orlando Pirates welcome Lioli to Orlando Stadium this Saturday, after a commanding 3-0 win in the first leg away in Bloemfontein.
With such a comfortable advantage, it is hard to see the Buccaneers collapse to a 3-0 loss to force penalties or a 4-0 defeat to get knocked out in 90 minutes.
How does coach Abdeslam Ouaddou set up his starting line-up in the middle of such an unforgiving fixture schedule?
EXPECT CHANGES IN ORLANDO PIRATES’ LINEUP VS LIOLI FC IN THE CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Following a hard-fought 1-0 win over Siwelele FC just four days ago, coach Ouaddou is expected to rotate heavily.
Five players, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Sihle Nduli, Lebone Seema, Oswin Appollis, and Deon Hott, have featured in all 11 matches this season (six Betway Premiership, four MTN8, and one CAF Champions League game) and are likely to be rested.
Mbokazi and Appollis’ legs have worked even more after two games for Bafana Bafana this month.
With a clutch Betway Premiership battle against the high-flying TS Galaxy looming on Tuesday, Orlando Pirates’ fitness coaches have to play it smart. Saturday’s CAF clash gives the coach the perfect moment to rest his regulars and give the hungry squad players their chance to shine.
Captain Nkosinathi Sibisi, finally back from injury, is itching to step in for Mbokazi in the heart of defence. At left back, Nkosikhona Ndaba has been knocking on the door, while Abdoulaye Mariko and Masindi Nemtajela have been exciting in midfield off the bench. The same story applies up front: Tshephang Moremi and Evidence Makgopa have been bright as substitutes.
PREDICTED LINE-UP:
- Goalkeeper: Sipho Chaine
- Right back: Thabiso Lebitso
- Central defender: Lebone Seema
- Central defender: Nkosinathi Sibisi
- Left back: Nkosinathi Ndaba
- Midfielders: Abdoulaye Mariko, Masindi Nemtajela and Sipho Mbule
- Forwards: Relebohile Mofokeng, Evidence Makgopa and Tshephang Moremi.
Kick off will be at 15:00 at the Orlando Stadium.
Also read: Zongo names three of his favourite Orlando Pirates signings