Predicted Orlando Pirates XI vs Bay: Huge dilemma for Riveiro

Orlando Pirates travel to Richards Bay to continue their charge for silverware in the Nedbank Cup. Manager Riveiro faces one huge selection dilemma.

Mofokeng walks a suspension tightrope

After a string of recent yellow cards, 20-year-old Relebohile Mofokeng is one booking away from an automatic suspension. Should he pick up a caution here, he’d miss the Soweto Derby against Chiefs next weekend. Manager Jose Riveiro has several options in wide areas so he may choose to wrap his crown jewel in cotton wool for this one. That, or he could use Mofokeng from the start and potentially withdraw him if his side makes the points safe. This is why managers earn the big bucks. Utility man Deon Hotto started in a wide midfield role against Al Ahly although Kabelo Dlamini is also an option as an inverted winger with Hotto returning to left-back.

Predicted Orlando Pirates XI vs Richards Bay

Chaine; Lebitso, Sesane, Sibisi, Hotto; Makhaula, Mbatha; Dlamini, Maswanganyi, Nkota; Mabasa.

Kickoff between Richards Bay and Pirates is at 15:00 on Sunday 26 January.

Deon Hotto reaches his twilight years

Hotto, a star for Namibia at Afcon 2023, has been a rock-solid operator down the left-hand side of the Pirates team. Equally adept in defence or midfield, he’s a manager’s dream. At 34, however, his contract expires in June and is unlikely to be extended as he’s currently on R500k a month. The vastly-experienced star has 65 caps and 10 goals for his country. He made 27 appearances in the Betway Premiership last season with a goal and five assists. This term he’s got a goal and three assists after just 10 games. To say he’ll be difficult to replace is a gross understatement. Will they live to regret letting him go? There are at least two more years left in his legs at the top level. Put Hotto in almost any position on the pitch and he’ll give you a solid performance.

What would your starting XI be, Bucs fans, risk Mofokeng or rest him for the upcoming Soweto Derby?

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