With Orlando Pirates facing ABC Motsepe side Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila, the Soweto giants, who lost 2-0 to Kaizer Chiefs in last season’s Nedbank Cup final at the same venue, are set to ring the changes.
Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila, commonly known as TTM, have lived through strange times. The club purchased Bidvest Wits’ Betway Premiership status in 2020.
Despite off-field instability and reports of unpaid player salaries, TTM produced a remarkable on-field moment by winning the Nedbank Cup in 2021.
Ongoing financial pressures forced the sale of the club’s top-flight status to Marumo Gallants. TTM re-established in the ABC Motsepe League after Maruleng Celtic.
ORLANDO PIRATES IN THE NEDBANK CUP LAST 32
Fast forward to February 2026, and the Venda side hosts the Buccaneers in a Ke Yona showdown. Due to reported flooding in Thohoyandou, the club has moved the game to Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Having had a dim start to the third division this time, including a 5-0 loss to Selwane White Vultures, Orlando Pirates are sure to make lineup changes.
Three of the expected starters are the January new signings: Andre De Jong, Daniel Msendami, and Mpho Chabatsane.
FURTHER CHANGES TO EXPECT
While Relebohile Mofokeng has enjoyed daring form in the number 10 role, expect the 21-year-old to take a rest. In his place is likely to be Patrick Maswanganyi.
Orlando Pirates’ talented Malian midfielder Abdoulaye Mariko could slot in midfield alongside Makhehlene Makhaula.
Thabiso Sesane, and DSTV Diski Challenge superstars Simphiwe Masilela, Tsepho Mlambi could also get a look-in. The likes of Deon Hotto, and Oswin Appollis are likely to take the day off, as the Buccaneers face Marumo Gallants in the Betway Premiership next Saturday.
Up front, expect Boitumelo Radiopane to make an appearance.
WHICH ORLANDO PIRATES SQUAD PLAYERS ARE YOU EXPECTING TO SEE?
Please share your list in the comments block below.