Predicted Orlando Pirates XI vs Kaizer Chiefs: To Saleng or not to Saleng?
Huge selection dilemmas for coach Riveiro.
Orlando Pirates come up against a familiar foe in the Soweto Derby. Is Monnapule Saleng in line to start against Kaizer Chiefs?
Saleng won’t feature on Derby Day
According to SoccerLaduma, 26-year-old winger Monnapule Saleng is back in the fold and training with his teammates. However, the Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs might come too soon as his reintegration continues.
Predicted Orlando Pirates XI vs Kaizer Chiefs
The Sea Robbers side has a nice, settled look about it with the reliable attacking midfield triumvirate of Mohau Nkota, Patrick Maswanganyi and Rele Mofokeng more than capable of painting pretty pictures and giving defenders considerable headaches.
Chaine; Van Rooyen, Sesane, Sibisi, Hotto; Mbatha, Makhaula; Nkota, Maswanganyi, Mofokeng; Mabasa.
The Pirates defence doesn’t look too shabby either
In Pirates’ relatively comfortable 3-1 win at Richards Bay in the Nedbank Cup, regular number one goalkeeper Sipho Chaine wasn’t risked. He’s one booking away from a suspension so Pirates clearly had one eye on the Soweto Derby in this regard. Nkosinathi Sibisi missed the clash at Bay through suspension but he should return against Kaizer Chiefs in place of Tapelo Xoki.
Soweto Derby recent H2Hs
Pirates have held the upper hand in recent meetings between these great rivals. The Buccaneers have won the last three meetings across all competitions, including each of the last two in the league, most recently that 3-2 success for the Sea Robbers in March 2024 with Monnapule Saleng bagging a double. That stopped a curious and somewhat surprising run of five consecutive wins for Chiefs in Soweto Derby league clashes with the Sea Robbers. These rivals lock horns again on Saturday 01 February at Orlando Stadium from 15:30. We wouldn’t want you to miss it for the world.
Who will prevail in Saturday’s showpiece?
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