Orlando Pirates have selected a strong starting XI for their opening match of the 2026/27 season against league newcomers Milford FC at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday.
The reigning Betway Premiership champions begin their title defence at 15:00, with head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou naming Sipho Chaine in goal.
Captain Nkosinathi Sibisi will lead the defence alongside Lebone Seema, while Oswin Appollis and Tshepang Moremi have both been included from the start.
Kabelo Dlamini, Patrick Maswanganyi and Thalente Mbatha are expected to provide the attacking creativity in midfield as Pirates begin their campaign against a side making its debut in South Africa’s top flight.
Pirates enter the new season as the team to beat after ending Mamelodi Sundowns’ eight-year dominance of the league last term. Their title success was part of a memorable domestic treble, with the club also lifting the MTN8 and Carling Knockout trophies.
The Buccaneers will therefore be expected to set the early pace, although Milford FC arrive with confidence after securing promotion through last season’s promotion/relegation playoffs.
The KwaZulu-Natal outfit earned their place in the Betway Premiership by overcoming Magesi FC and Cape Town City. They also enjoyed an impressive run in the Nedbank Cup last season, reaching the semi-finals.
However, their first league assignment presents a formidable challenge, with the newly promoted side facing the reigning champions in their opening fixture.
Orlando Pirates line-up
Sipho Chaine; Nkosinathi Sibisi, Lebone Seema, Sebelebele, Hotto, Dansin, Thalente Mbatha, Patrick Maswanganyi, Tshepang Moremi, Oswin Appollis, Mbuthuma.
Substitutes: Dladla, Kgotsitsile, Masilela, Zulu, Mariko, Mthiyane, Radiopane, Lungu, Rapoo.
The match between Orlando Pirates and Milford FC kicks off at 15:00 on Saturday afternoon at the Orlando Amstel Arena.
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