Predicted Orlando Pirates XI vs Bay: Huge dilemma for Riveiro

Rele walks the suspension tightrope.

There's a mad scramble for bragging rights as the country's top goal scorer in this season's Betway Premiership. The LATEST updated numbers. Image: Joseph Betrand X

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.

Orlando Pirates Transfer News Jose Riveiro — Jose Riveiro in charge of a training session at the Rand Stadium. Image: @orlandopiratesfc/X

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.

Mofokeng is now the Pirates MVP

20-year-old Relebohile Mofokeng is now one of the first names on any Pirates team sheet. Jose Riveiro often opts to rotate his options across Caf Champions League and Betway Premiership action. However, young Mofokeng hardly ever gets a breather because of his growing importance to the cause. He scored again when Pirates beat Al Ahly in Egypt.

Orlando Pirates Mohau Nkota — Mohau Nkota and Relebohile Mofokeng combined well against CR Belouizdad. Image: Backpagepix

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

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