Orlando Pirates are preparing to kick off their 2025/26 Betway Premiership campaign with an important clash against Sekhukhune United at Orlando Stadium this weekend, and fans can expect some notable tweaks to the starting XI.
Coming off an impressive 2-0 MTN8 quarter-final victory over Polokwane City, coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has hinted at strategic rotations, with squad depth expected to play a major role in the Buccaneers’ approach this season.
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“It will be very important to play with freshness because Orlando Pirates will play in many competitions,” Ouaddou said during the Betway Premiership launch earlier this week.
The Moroccan tactician is managing a squad packed with talent across all departments, and with domestic and continental demands on the horizon, no single starting XI is expected to remain fixed.
In his own words, “We win games with a starting XI, but we win competitions with a group.”
With that in mind, the Siya crew takes a closer look at some of the possible changes in the line-up as the Buccaneers prepare to get their league campaign underway.
Click through the gallery to see the players expected to come into the starting XI this weekend!
While certain names were left out of the MTN8 starting line-up, Ouaddou made it clear those decisions were not tactical exclusions, but part of a broader vision to keep the squad fresh and motivated throughout what will be a demanding season.
With competition for places heating up and new faces also pushing for minutes, Pirates supporters will be eager to see how their team lines up in this weekend’s blockbuster opener.
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Don’t miss the action this Saturday at Orlando Stadium as Bucs host Sekhukhune United.
But first, hit the gallery to see who could be set for a starting berth in the Premiership curtain-raiser!
