Betway Premiership champions Orlando Pirates and newcomers Milford FC have announced their starting line-up for the opening match of the season at the Orlando Amstel Arena.
The Betway Premiership title defense for Pirates begins against Milford in a packed Orlando Amstel Arena.
The Buccaneers are playing at the arena for the first time as league champions but it is expected to be a testing season for the Buccaneers, especially since they have lost PSL Footballer of the Year, Relebohile Mofokeng to Belgian side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.
Players like Oswin Appollis, Sipho Chaine, Evidence Makgopa, Thalente Mbatha are expected to carry the team this campaign, while the likes of Boitumelo Radiopane, Neo Rapoo, Mpho Padime, and Sebastian Pedersen are expected to add a lot of value.
Milford will get a taste of what they’ve been craving for in the last five seasons. The Eastern Cape/KwaZulu-Natal-based side had a bit of a feel for what it is like to play against Betway Premiership teams in the last few seasons, beating Kaizer Chiefs on penalties in the Nedbank Cup.
The Stallions haven’t been that busy in the transfer window as they have retained most of their players. This season the likes of Siphamandla Hleza, Mvelo Zikakayo and Menzi Chili are expected to carry Xanti Pupuma’s men.
This is the first time these two sides face each other. But on paper Pirates are expected to walk away with three points especially since they are playing at home.
Here is how they line up:
Pirates XI: Chaine, Sibisi, Seema, Sebelebele, Hotto, Dansin, Mbatha, Maswanganyi, Moremi, Appollis, Mbuthuma
Subs: Dladla, Kgositsile, Masilela, Zulu, Mariko, Mthiyane, Radiopane, Lungu, Rapoo
Milford XI: Hleza, Bhengu, Mthabela, Cele, Mdluli, Mthethwa, Mthiyane, Chili, Mabena, Zikakayo, Radebe
Subs: Nkosi, Ngxongo, Mbhele, Siyaya, Mkhize, Nomandela, Mbunga, Jwara, Masilela