Orlando Pirates have been busy in the transfer market, bringing in twelve new players to bolster their squad for the upcoming challenging season.
Afrik-Foot takes a closer look at how the Buccaneers might line up, featuring some of their key acquisitions.
The new faces at the club include Oswin Appollis, Lebone Seema, Abdoulaye Mariko, Sipho Mbule, Yanela Mbuthuma, Masindi Nemtajela, Tshepang Moremi, Nkosikhona Ndaba, Sinoxolo Kwayiba, Tshepo Mashiloane, Sihle Nduli, and Kabelo Kgositsile.
Predicted Starting XI:
- Goalkeeper: Sipho Chaine is expected to retain his spot between the sticks, having been a consistent performer with 47 appearances last season.
- Right-back: Deano van Rooyen seems to have cemented his place, especially with Thabiso Monyane's departure.
- Centre-backs: The formidable Nkosinathi Sibisi will likely partner with the promising young talent Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who has quickly made a name for himself.
- Left-back: Natural winger Deon Hotto is set to continue in this role, backed up by new signing Nkosikhona Ndaba, following the exits of Paseka Mako and Innocent Maela.
- Defensive Midfield: Makhehlene Makhaula should continue his solid presence in this crucial position.
- Central Midfield: Sipho Mbule, a surprise signing, is favored to start, with coach Abdeslam Ouaddou publicly expressing his confidence in him.
- Attacking Midfield: The talented Patrick Maswanganyi will again be relied upon as the team's primary playmaker.
- Right and Left winger: New signing Oswin Appollis is expected to take the right-wing spot, while last season's standout Relebohile Mofokeng will continue to be a threat on the left, provided he stays in South Africa.
- Striker: Fresh off strong Bafana Bafana performances, new signing Yanela Mbuthuma could claim the number nine role, a position that saw rotation last season.
