Orlando Pirates name starting XI for must-win CAF Champions League tie

Orlando Pirates have named their starting XI for the second leg of their CAF Champions League first preliminary-round tie against Mauritius’ La Cure Waves.

The Buccaneers were held to a goalless draw by the semi-professional side a week ago, leaving them needing a victory at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday to progress.

Pirates had been expected to overcome La Cure Waves comfortably, but their failure to win the opening match has increased the pressure on head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou and his players.

The South African club will also be mindful of last season’s disappointment, when they failed to reach the CAF Champions League group stages after losing to St Eloi Limpopo in the second qualifying round.

That elimination came despite Pirates making a strong start to the competition. They defeated Lioli 7-0 on aggregate in the first round before their campaign ended against St Eloi Limpopo.

The early exit was particularly surprising because the Sea Robbers had reached the semi-finals during the 2024/25 season, where they were beaten only by eventual winners Pyramids.

Pirates also suffered an early setback the season before, when Jwaneng Galaxy knocked them out in the second round. Ouaddou and his squad will therefore be cautious about underestimating La Cure Waves in Saturday’s decisive fixture.

Orlando Pirates starting XI

Goalkeeper Sipho Chaine starts behind a defence of Thabiso Zulu, Nkosinathi Seema, Paseka Rapoo and Thabiso Sebelebele.

The midfield includes Mokibodi Mokobodi, Mthiyane and Masilela, while Kgositsile, Appollis and Mbuthuma lead the attack.

Pirates’ starting XI is:

Chaine, Zulu, Seema, Rapoo, Sebelebele, Mokobodi, Mthiyane, Masilela, Kgositsile, Appollis, Mbuthuma.

The substitutes are:

Dladla, Sibisi, Ndaba, Derbyshire, Dansin, Selepe, Nemtajela, Ngwato and Radiopane.