Caf Confederation Cup: Predicting the Orlando Pirates XI to face LPRC Oilers

The veteran shot-stopper has done relatively well in the absence of Pirates' first-choice keeper Richard Ofori, who is out injured. 

Mpontshane will be oozing with confidence after keeping his fourth clean sheet of the season in the PSL when Bucs thrashed Stellenbosch FC 3-0 on Wednesday.

The lanky defender came on for Bandile Shandu as a substitute against Stellies after the latter had picked up an injury.

Mngonyama is most likely to replace Shandu in the starting line-up having already started Bucs' two Confederation Cup games against Congo-Brazzaville's Diables Noirs in October this year.

The Bafana Bafana international made his return from injury against Stellenbosch which has boosted the Bucs technical team's selection options.

Maela could get the nod ahead of Paseka Mako due to his international experience.

The versatile player missed the game against Stellenbosch FC and has operated as a right-back, centre back and midfielder this season.

Mabaso might replace Olisa Ndah in the starting line-up with the Nigerian defender not part of the Bucs squad registered with Caf.

Happy Jele is still injured, while Thulani Hlatshwayo has fallen out of favour.

The 31-year-old defender has brought leadership and experience to the Bucs defence which has seen the team keep clean sheets against Golden Arrows and Stellenbosch.

Nyauza, who has been captaining the team in the absence of Jele and Hlatshwayo, will be looking to lead Pirates to a win in Liberia.

The Bafana international marked his return to the Bucs starting line-up with a great performance against Stellies.

Motshwari will be looking to dominate the midfield battle and put the Buccaneers in a position to win the game.

The experienced midfielder could get the nod ahead of Fortune Makaringe, who has been struggling for form lately.

Monare's midfield partnership with Motshwari gives Pirates better balance in midfield and they complement each other since their days together at Bidvest Wits.

The creative midfielder produced his best performance in a Pirates jersey against Stellies which saw him grab a goal and an assist.

Makgaka looks set to make his fourth appearance in the Confederation Cup since he joined the Soweto giants last year.

The former Chippa United playmaker was dropped from the Bucs starting line-up ahead of the clash with Stellies with Terrence Dzvukamanja getting the nod ahead of him.

However, Dzvukamanja struggled to make an impact and he could be placed by the influential Mntambo.

The Buccaneers will pin their hopes of defeating the Oilers on the Namibia international.

Hotto inspired the Soweto giants to a 3-0 win over Stellies by scoring a brace and he will be keen to replicate the same form in Monrovia.

The Ghana under-23 international has looked hungry for goals in his last two matches for Bucs which he started.

Peprah will be hoping to score his first goal for the four-time PSL champions against the Oil Boys.