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]]>Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has surprisingly handed a start to youngster Simphiwe Selepe in one of the biggest matches of the season.
Selepe impressed towards the end of last campaign but has barely featured this season, making his inclusion a major talking point ahead of kick-off.
The Buccaneers know victory over Durban City will officially crown them Betway Premiership champions.
The young midfielder replaces experienced campaigner Makhehleni Makhaula and will partner Thalente Mbatha in midfield.
Pirates will rely on Patrick Maswanganyi to provide creativity in the number 10 role, while exciting trio Relebohile Mofokeng, Oswin Appollis and Yanela Mbuthuma lead the attack.
At the back, Ouaddou has trusted his regular defensive core. Captain Nkosinathi Sibisi will partner Lebone Seema in central defence.
On the flanks, hardworking duo Deon Hotto and Kamogelo Sebelebele are expected to play key roles both defensively and going forward.
All eyes will now be on Selepe as Pirates gamble on youth with the league title on the line.
Some exciting news for the Buccaneers fans is the return from injury of speedy winger Tsepang Moremi. He starts on the bench against Durban City.
Moremi was injured in the hard battle against Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto derby almost a month ago.
Pirates lineup (4-3-3): Chaine – Sebelebele, Hotto, Seema, Sibisi – Selepe, Mbatha, Maswanganyi – Appollis, Mofokeng, Mbuthuma
On the bench: Buthelezi, Chabatshane, Ndaba, Makhaula, Dansin, Mariko, Moremi, De Jong, Makgopa
Durban City lineup (4-3-2-1): Asare – Jalai, Mashego, Ncanana, Mkhize – Nodada, Jurgens, Poggoenpoel – Mokwena, Kamatuka – Lubumba
On the bench: Keet, Mahlangu, Gcaba, Goedeman, Koapeng, Domingo, Maarman, Sifumba, De Kock
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]]>The post Bafana host Nicaragua in Soweto before World Cup jet-off appeared first on MDNtv.
]]>Hugo Broos’s men will welcome Central American outfit Nicaragua to the Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto for a high-profile international friendly on Friday, 29 May 2026.
Following their recent friendly double-header against Panama, Hugo Broos has chosen another Central American opponent to perfectly simulate the tactical challenge awaiting Bafana in their tournament opener.
South Africa will face co-hosts Mexico in the official World Cup opening match at the iconic Estadio Azteca on June 11.
Nicaragua, known for its aggressive, compact defensive block and high-tempo counter-attacks, will give Bafana one last taste of the CONCACAF style of football before they board the plane to Mexico City.
Moving the game to the historic Orlando Amstel Arena ensures an intimate, high-energy atmosphere for the national team’s farewell.
With gates opening three hours ahead of kick-off, SAFA is planning a massive fan-activation village featuring local music acts, food stalls, and a special send-off ceremony for the 23-man squad.
This match will also represent the final opportunity for several fringe players to force their way into Broos’s starting lineup.
The starting XI, however, is expected to closely mirror the team that will walk out in front of 90 000 fans in expected in Mexico City.
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