Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has made just one change after Tuesday’s exciting 2-0 win over TS Galaxy in the Betway Premiership.
The 22-year-old winger Kamogelo Sebelebele has made way for Oswin Appollis. Masindi Nemtajela gets his second start in central midfield after driving home with the Man of the Match award midweek.
STARTING XIs: ORLANDO PIRATES VS SIWELELE FC
Pirates: Chaine, Seema, Mbokazi (c), Lebitso, Hotto, Nduli, Nemtajela, Mofokeng, Appollis, Moremi, Makgopa.
Subs: Buthelezi, Sibisi, Ndaba, Mariko, Dansin, Mbule, Sebelebele, Maswanganyi, Mabasa.
Siwelele: Xulu, Mfolozi, Makhele, Khonyane, Baliti, Margeman, Moralo, Zwane, Potsane, Nurkovic, Saile
Subs: To be confirmed.
RECENT HISTORY
Orlando Pirates fans should still recall last year’s Carling Knockout exit. Three goals down before halftime against Magesi FC at Orlando Stadium. Two late goals weren’t enough, and the Buccaneers bowed out.
Run forward to 2025, and the mood feels different. The Sea Robbers arrive armed with form and swagger. They’ve already lifted the MTN8, their Betway Premiership campaign looks solid, and their CAF Champions League run is alive and kicking.
Abdeslam Ouaddou’s men have delivered five straight league wins, 16 goals in nine matches, only three conceded. The attack is sharp and the defence solid.
But Siwelele have defensive steel. Lehlohonolo Seema’s side might be struggling, six defeats in nine games and hovering above the drop zone, but they’re stubborn. They’ve only shipped four goals in that stretch, proof that they can keep it tight when they need to.
The recent league meeting is proof. Pirates had to wait until the 80th minute for Oswin Appollis to break through with a winner.
