Best Orlando Pirates XI with THREE new marquee names. 

 Best Orlando Pirates XI with THREE new marquee names. 

Best Orlando Pirates XI with THREE new marquee names.

How does this XI look, Bucs fans?

In January, the Orlando Pirates were linked to a number of new players, including some gifted Bafana Bafana players.

Pirates target Basadien, while Maela and Hotto are on their way out.

Pirates want to improve at left-back since Deon Hotto is nearing the end of an outstanding career and Paseka Mako and Innocent Maela aren’t necessarily long-term alternatives. SNL claims that the Pirates are in a strong position to acquire Fawaaz Basadien, a highly sought-after left-back. The Winelands club has relied heavily on the 28-year-old Stellies player along that flank, and his play has earned him recognition for the national squad. With ten Betway Prem appearances this season, he has two goals and two assists—an incredible total for a full-back. In seven CAF Confederation Cup games, he has also contributed four goals. Basadien, meanwhile, has two goals and an assist this season in MTN8 competition.

The Buccaneers are also interested in Polokwane City’s strong right-back Thabang Matuludi and in-demand winger Oswin Appollis. Are the Sea Robbers trying to entirely revamp their full-back options?

Optimal Orlando Pirates starting lineup with three rumored acquisitions.

This fictitious starting lineup consists of Oswin Appollis, Fawaaz Basadien, and Thabang Matuludi. Would Mohau Nkota feel unfairly left out? Do the Pirates need Matuludi after shelling out a lot of money for Deano Van Rooyen from Stellenbosch? The 26-year-old Matuludi has two goals and an assist in 12 league games this season.

Chaine; Matuludi, Sesane, Sibisi, Basadien; Mbatha, Timm; Appollis, Maswanganyi, Mofokeng; Mabasa.

Sibisi extends his stay

Nkosinathi Sibisi, a central defender, is extending his contract with the Bucs. With ten league games this season and seven in the Champions League, the 29-year-old has established himself as a staple in the Pirates’ center of defense. He has played 20 games in 2024–2025 across all competitions. Manager Jose Riveiro obviously trusts Sibisi.

Would Basadien and Appollis stroll into the side if they joined the Pirates?

Related post