Orlando Pirates starting XI prediction: Dstv Premiership vs Chippa United

We predict the Orlando Pirates starting XI ahead of their DStv Premiership match against Chippa United on Saturday.

Orlando Pirates starting XI prediction

Richard Ofori is reportedly still in pain and unlikely to start in goal against Chippa United leaving Siyabonga Mpontshane as the obvious choice to take the gloves.

Siyabonga Mpontshane during the 2021 CAF Confederation Cup match between against Enyimba on the 17 March 2021 at Orlando Stadium, Johannesburg / Pic Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix

Orlando Pirates are likely to persist with the use of five defenders with a Centre Back trio at its heart. Abel Mabaso, Thulani Hlatshwayo and Happy Jele will take some breaking down.

Thulani Hlatshwayo and Happy Jele during the DStv Premiership 2021/22 football match between Orlando Pirates and Swallows FC at Orlando Stadium, Johannesburg on 11 September 2021 ©Gavin Barker/BackpagePix

Bandile Shandu will start at right back after an impressive start to his Sea Robbers career, while on the other flank Paseka Mako’s lively display against Swallows should secure him another outing.

In midfield, Ben Motshwari will likely return to the starting XI and look to strike up a partnership with new arrival Goodman Mosele.

Ben Motshwari of during the 2021 Carling Black Label Cup match between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates on 01 August 2021 at Orlando Stadium / Pic Sydney Mahlangu/BackapagePix

Deon Hotto could find himself shifted out to the wing to accommodate Tshegofatso Mabasa as the central striker, while Vincent Pule will almost certainly start on the right wing.

Tshegofatso Mabasa of Orlando Pirates (c) celebrates goal during the DStv Premiership 2021/22 football match between Orlando Pirates and Swallows FC at Orlando Stadium, Johannesburg on 11 September 2021 ©Gavin Barker/BackpagePix

Predicted XI

Siyabonga Mpontshane, Bandile Shandu, Abel Mabaso, Thulani Hlatshwayo, Happy Jele, Paseka Mako, Ben Motshwari, Goodman Mosele, Deon Hotto, Vincent Pule, Tshegofatso Mabasa.

Confirmed XI

TBA

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