Orlando Pirates begin title defence against Milford FC as starting XIs are confirmed

Betway Premiership champions Orlando Pirates will begin their title defence against newcomers Milford FC at a packed Orlando Amstel Arena on the opening day of the season.

Pirates are appearing at the arena for the first time as league champions, although they face a potentially difficult campaign after losing PSL Footballer of the Year Relebohile Mofokeng to Belgian club Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.

The Buccaneers have named their starting XI for the first match of the new season, with Sipho Chaine, Thabiso Sesane, Mbombela Seema, Thabiso Sebelebele, Deon Hotto, Deon Dansin, Thalente Mbatha, Patrick Maswanganyi, Moremi, Oswin Appollis and Tshegofatso Mbuthuma selected.

Their substitutes are Dladla, Kgositsile, Masilela, Zulu, Mariko, Mthiyane, Boitumelo Radiopane, Lungu and Neo Rapoo.

Several players are expected to take on greater responsibility for Pirates this season following Mofokeng’s departure. Appollis, Chaine, Evidence Makgopa and Mbatha have been identified as key figures, while Radiopane, Rapoo, Mpho Padime and Sebastian Pedersen are also expected to make a significant contribution.

Milford, meanwhile, are preparing to experience the level of competition they have been pursuing for the past five seasons. The Eastern Cape/KwaZulu-Natal-based club have already had some exposure to Betway Premiership opposition in recent campaigns.

That included a notable Nedbank Cup victory over Kaizer Chiefs, when Milford progressed after winning a penalty shootout.

The Stallions have largely kept faith with the squad that secured their progress, rather than making major changes during the transfer window. Siphamandla Hleza, Mvelo Zikakayo and Menzi Chili are among the players expected to lead Xanti Pupuma’s side in the club’s first Betway Premiership fixture.

Milford’s starting line-up has not yet been confirmed and is listed as TBC. No substitutes have been announced.

This will be the first meeting between Orlando Pirates and Milford FC. Pirates are expected to start as favourites because of their status as defending champions and the advantage of playing at home.

However, the fixture offers Milford an immediate opportunity to measure themselves against the reigning champions as they begin life in the Betway Premiership. For Pirates, the match marks the start of the challenge of defending their title without one of the league’s most influential young players.

Orlando Pirates XI: Chaine, Sibisi, Seema, Sebelebele, Hotto, Dansin, Mbatha, Maswanganyi, Moremi, Appollis, Mbuthuma

Substitutes: Dladla, Kgositsile, Masilela, Zulu, Mariko, Mthiyane, Radiopane, Lungu, Rapoo

Milford FC XI: TBC

Substitutes: TBC