Predicted Orlando Pirates XI vs Alger in the Champions League

Big games require big players. Is this how Orlando Pirates should line up against MC Alger in the Champions League quarter-final first leg in North Africa?

Caf Champions League quarter-final first leg coming up

Pirates will be quietly confident they can stamp their ticket into the Champions League semi-finals. They face the Algerian side MC Alger over two legs in the quarter-finals. The first leg takes place on Tuesday, 01 April at 21:00 in North Africa. 

Predicted Orlando Pirates XI vs MC Alger

Chaine; Van Rooyen, Sibisi, Mbokazi, Hotto; Mbatha, Makhaula; Mkota, Maswanganyi, Mofokeng; Makgopa.

Potential Orlando Pirates XI with new rumoured signings

Chaine; Van Rooyen, Sesane, Mbokazi, Basadien; Mbatha, Makhaula; Appollis, Mofokeng, Nkota; Mabasa.

Pirates wish list

According to Soccer Laduma, Orlando Pirates have a hefty transfer shortlist containing a few surprise names. That publication includes Thabo Moloisane and Fawaaz Basadien from Stellenbosch FC, Vuyo Letlapa from Sekhukhune United, Oswin Appollis and Thabang Matuludi from Polokwane City, as well as AmaZulu’s Tshepang Moremi, Sinoxolo Kwayiba from Chippa United and Richards Bay FC’s Yanela Mbuthuma. The latest name is Marumo Gallants forward Junior Zindoga.

Mbokazi is a big game player

Meanwhile, Mbekezeli Mbokazi started big matches against SuperSport in the Nedbank Cup (he scored the opener in a 2-2 draw, Pirates eventually prevailed on penalties) and against Stellenbosch in a 0-0 draw. Mbokazi was man of the match in that thrilling cup tie against Matsatsantsa, and he started and shone in Pirates’ superb 2-1 win over leaders Sundowns, again earning the Man of the Match award. It’s a result which breathes new life into a title challenge that seemed to be fading out. The Sea Robbers Trail Sundowns by 15 points but have four games in hand. 20-year-old Rele Mofokeng was the scorer of both Pirates goals, the quickest brace by a Buccaneers player in PSL history. We don’t even think of Mofokeng as a youngster or a future star anymore, such is his importance to the first XI already. The future is now.

Will Pirates win this season’s Champions League?

Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.