Marumo Gallants and Orlando Pirates name starting XIs for Betway Premiership clash

Marumo Gallants and Orlando Pirates have announced their starting line-ups for their Betway Premiership meeting at Royal Bafokeng Stadium this afternoon.

The match comes as Gallants attempt to end a difficult run of league form, having won only two of their past 34 matches. They have drawn 15 and lost 17 during that period.

Bahlabane Ba Ntwa recently parted company with head coach Phuti Mohafe and quickly appointed Ronny Kananelo as his replacement.

Kananelo, a former Mamelodi Sundowns player, previously worked with African Stars, helping the club reach the second round of the CAF Champions League, where they were drawn against Pirates.

Gallants are bottom of the Betway Premiership table in 16th place, with two points from their opening six matches.

Pirates, meanwhile, can move to within one point of leaders Mamelodi Sundowns with victory. The Buccaneers are second on 16 points after six matches, four points behind Masandawana, although they have played one game fewer.

Abdeslam Ouaddou’s team have been the league’s strongest defensive side so far, conceding only one goal.

Pirates have also not lost an official match since their 2-1 defeat by Sundowns in February.

The Buccaneers have won four of the past six league meetings between the clubs, including an 8-1 victory in December 2024. Gallants have won the other two matches.

Starting line-ups

Marumo Gallants start with Lako in goal, while Rikhotso, Ntiya-Ntiya, Sikakane and Ncube make up the defensive line.

Ndlondlo, Lithuli, Moremi, Otladiso, Injil and Kunene complete the Gallants team.

Their substitutes are Mlambo, Kutumela, Ralenkoane, Dhludhlu, Madiba, Manku and Pheeha.

Pirates name Chaine as goalkeeper, with Sibisi, Seema, Ndaba and Sebelebele in defence.

Mokobodi, Selepe, Masilela, Kgositsile, Moremi and Mbuthuma form the remainder of the starting XI.

The Pirates substitutes are Dladla, Zulu, Hotto, Mthiyane, Nemtajela, Padime, Appollis, Lungu and Pedersen.