Orlando Pirates’ expected starting XI vs Cadiz CF in Spain
· The South African
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou may use the match to test a new midfield solution after the departure of Relebohile Mofokeng.
The Buccaneers are expected to continue rotating their squad when they take on Cádiz CF. It wil be their second pre-season friendly on Saturday, 18 July, with the kick-off time still to be confirmed.
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The Buccaneers opened their Spanish tour with a 1-1 draw against Córdoba CF. It was where Boitumelo Radiopane scored the equaliser after the club fielded different line-ups across both halves.
Pre-season friendlies are built on fitness. Head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is expected to hand another opportunity to the players who featured after the break against Córdoba. The fixture could also provide the ideal platform to experiment with a tactical adjustment ahead of the new Betway Premiership season.
ORLANDO PIRATES COULD SWITCH SYSTEM
The departure of Relebohile Mofokeng has left Orlando Pirates searching for a new attacking focal point behind the striker. Patrick Maswanganyi remains an option but his consistency remains questionable. Ouaddou could use pre-season to explore an alternative system. Rather than relying on a traditional number 10.
A switch to a 4-3-3 would remove the attacking midfielder altogether. Instead, it will utilise two advanced central midfielders operating ahead of a holding midfielder. With several talented midfielders available, the French-Moroccan coach has the depth to test the formation before the competitive campaign begins.
Saturday’s encounter against Cádiz could be the right opportunity to see whether the new shape offers greater balance in midfield while allowing the wide forwards to provide the team’s attacking threat.
PREDICTED STARTING XI VS CADIZ CF
Based on Orlando Pirates’ pre-season rotation and the players who featured during the second half against Córdoba, this is the predicted starting XI to face Cádiz.
Goalkeeper: Sipho Chaine.
Defenders: Kamohelo Sebelebele, Cristian Derbyshire, Tapelo Xoki, Neo Rapoo.
Midfielders: Mthetheleli Mthiyane, Cemran Dansin, Simphiwe Masilela.
Forwards: Bohlale Ngwato, Boitumelo Radiopane, Tshepang Moremi.
If Ouaddou does opt for the 4-3-3, the match against Cádiz could provide an early indication of how Orlando Pirates intend to adapt following Mofokeng’s departure.
With pre-season centred on fitness and tactical experimentation, the Buccaneers have an opportunity to test whether a three-man midfield can unlock the best balance ahead of the new Betway Premiership campaign.