Orlando Pirates starting XI prediction: DStv Premiership vs Mamelodi Sundowns

Orlando Pirates take some good form into their clash with Mamelodi Sundowns and are likely to change little.

Orlando Pirates starting XI prediction

In goal, Siyabonga Mpontshane has done well in the absence of Richard Ofori and should continue with the Ghanaian sidelined.

Siyabonga Mpontshane of Pirates during the Premiership match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates at the Loftus Versveld Stadium ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

At fullback Bandile Shandu and Paseka Mako have shown glimpses of brilliance and both players deserve an extended run in the wide areas.

Bandile Shandu during the DStv Premiership 2021/22 football match against Swallows FC at Orlando Stadium, Johannesburg on 11 September 2021 ©Gavin Barker/BackpagePix

Happy Jele and Thulani Hlatshwayo form the strong spine of the Orlando Pirates team that has started the season well enough, but can go top with victory over Mamelodi Sundowns.

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

Abel Mabaso has been effectively converted into a defensive midfielder and that role should allow Orlando Pirates to field another attacking threat.

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Ntsako Makhubele could make way for a more attacking player in Fortune Makaringe, while Mabaso would step up to partner Goodman Mosele in midfield.

Vincent Pule and Tshegofatso Mabasa should have done enough to secure their places in the Orlando Pirates starting XI but Kabelo Dlamini might be asked to make way to accommodate Terrence Dzvukamanja.

Predicted Starting XI

Orlando Pirates starting XI: Siyabonga Mpontshane, Bandile Shandu, Paseka Mako, Happy Jele, Thulani Hlatshwayo, Abel Mabasa, Goodman Mosele, Fortune Makaringe, Vincent Pule, Tshegofatso Mabasa, Terrence Dzvukamanja.

Confirmed Starting XI

TBA