Orlando Pirates face Marumo Gallants in the Carling Knockout final on Saturday at the Peter Mokaba Stadium at 18:00.
Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is expected to keep most of last week’s line-up, with only two changes expected.
Before laying out the expected starting line-up, let’s look back at how the Buccaneers got here. The journey wasn’t a light stroll: a spectacular late strike from Mbekezeli Mbokazi against Siwelele, the 2-1 over Magesi at the Orlando Stadium, before a tense 1–0 semifinal win over Richards Bay in the semifinals.
ORLANDO PIRATES VS MARUMO GALLANTS IN THE CARLING KNOCKOUT FINAL
Orlando Pirates coach Ouaddou, after just two months in South Africa, delivered the MTN8 trophy after a swaggering 3–0 win over Stellenbosch FC.
The record against Marumo Gallants looks well for the Sea Robbers, six wins from 11 meetings, including last season’s astonishing 8–1 demolition, the biggest win in Orlando Pirates’ history.
So how will coach Ouaddou set up his side in Polokwane?
EXPECTED STARTING LINE UP
The back four will see the return of the highly experienced Deon Hotto to replace Nkosikhona Ndaba, while midfield will stay unchanged due to Sihle Nduli’s continued injury layoff. In the forward line, Patrick Maswanganyi will drop to the bench for Sipho Mbule’s return.
Full Orlando Pirates line-up to expect: Sipho Chaine, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Deon Hotto, Thabiso Lebitso, Thalente Mbatha, Masindi Nemtajela, Sipho Mbule, Tshepang Moremi, Relebohile Mofokeng, Evidence Makgopa.