Orlando Pirates rumours: Saleng, Nkota, new formation?

Today’s Orlando Pirates news wrap, unsurprisingly, features more on Monnapule Saleng. There’s also a feature on Mohau Nkota.

Three-man defence could be the play for Orlando Pirates

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. Pirates currently have four defenders on the treatment table, namely Thabiso Sesane, Thabiso Monyane, Thabiso Lebitso and Olisa Ndah. Sesane and Ndah are arguably the club’s top central defensive pairing when everyone is fit, so Riveiro is doing his best with what’s available.

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Saleng is back, but…

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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Nkota loves the continental nights

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 Wednesday the 9th at 18:00.

Would you start Nkota in the second leg against MC Alger?

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