SoccerClub writer DYLAN APPOLIS tries his hand at predicting Orlando Pirates’ starting XI for their much-anticipated Soweto derby clash with Kaizer Chiefs over the weekend.

The Buccaneers will be in search of revenge after Amakhosi edged them 3-2 in the last Soweto derby encounter at the FNB Stadium on 9 November 2019.

Pirates currently sit in third place in the Absa Premiership standings with 39 points after 21 matches played. They trail log-leaders Chiefs by six points, having played one more game than Ernst Middendorp’s men.

A win for the Sea Robbers will take them above Mamelodi Sundowns and up to second place on the league table, reducing Amakhosi’s lead to just three points.

Josef Zinnbauer will be hoping striker Gabadinho Mhango will be at his best against their rivals, having already found the back of the net in the league on 14 times this season.

Kick-off is scheduled for 3:30pm.

Take a look at Orlando Pirates’ predicted starting XI:

Goalkeeper

Wayne Sandilands

Defenders

Happy Jele (c), Innocent Maela, Ntsikelelo Nyauza

Midfielders 

Ben Motshwari,  Abel Mabaso, Fortune Makaringe, Vincent Pule

Forwards

Thembinkosi Lorch, Luvuyo Mamela, Gabadinho Mhango.