Best Orlando Pirates XI with THREE dream arrivals

Orlando Pirates have been linked with several new marquee names. We’ve picked three of them and constructed a potential best XI.

Best projected Orlando Pirates XI with three dream signings

Chaine; Van Rooyen, Ndah, Mbokazi, Basadien; Mbatha, Makhaula; Rhodes, Mofokeng, Appollis; Makgopa.

New formation option for Riveiro?

A trio of central defenders Tapelo Xoki, Nkosinathi Sibisi and Mbekezeli Mbokazi, dealt with everything thrown at them by a pacey MC Alger attack in a tricky first-leg tie. It was a pragmatic, sensible approach from head coach Jose Riveiro, and it paid dividends. We’re unlikely to see Riveiro use this system in Betway Premiership games. However, it could be just the ticket in tricky continental clashes. It’s yet another trait that Pirates fans love so much about the Spanish tactician: his adaptability.

Nkota is proving himself as a big game player

Substitute Mohau Nkota’s 65th-minute strike was enough to give Pirates a critical 1-0 lead in their two-legged Caf Champions League quarter-final against MC Alger. Nkota seems to keep his best for the continental nights, having supplied a pair of assists in a match against Stade d’Abidjan earlier in the competition. Next up for the Sea Robbers is a PSL clash with Polokwane on Sunday, 06 April at 15:00. The second leg against MC Alger is on Wednesday, 09 April at 18:00. Will the 20-year-old start in that match?

Where is Mr Monnapule Saleng?

Where is Monnapule Saleng?

Monnapule Saleng showed us glimpses of his 2022-2023 self when he scored five goals in his first 13 appearances of the campaign. However, that came to an abrupt end when he was frozen out of the side. His last appearance for the club was in December 2024 against Al Ahly in a Champions League group match. However, the mercurial winger is reportedly back in training after a long standoff and exile. He didn’t travel to Algeria for Pirates’ 1-0 win at MC Alger.

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Will Pirates win the Caf Champions League this season?

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