Orlando Pirates want to take the next step in 2025-2026 by ruling South Africa and the continent. Can this team do that?
Projected dream Orlando Pirates XI
Chaine; Van Rooyen, Sibisi, Mbokazi, Letlapa; Mbatha, Nemtajela; Nkota, Maswanganyi, Mofokeng; Makgopa.
This XI would see Vuyo Letlapa at left-back (although he’s been heavily linked with a move to France) and Masindi Nemtajela replacing the ageing Makhehlene Makhaula. That might be harsh on the latter, who’s been a standout performer for the Buccaneers in 2024-2025. Also, can you see a vacancy in that XI for Fiston Mayele? If so, what does the club do about Tshegofatso Mabasa and Evidence Makgopa, not to mention Boitumelo Radiopane?
Mashiloane might need to bide his time
Is Benni a candidate for the managerial role?
Benni McCarthy started his coaching journey at Sint-Truiden, where he was the Belgian club’s assistant manager from 2015 to 2016. He then presided over 89 matches at Cape Town City as their head coach, winning the MTN9 in 2018-2019. His next head coach role was with AmaZulu, a club he guided to the Caf Champions League for the first time in their history. All of those roles preceded arguably his most glamorous position to date: first-team attacking coach at Manchester United. With the 2023-2024 FA Cup now in his cabinet, Benni’s tasted success in the dugout on two occasions and will want more of that feeling. Mr McCarthy is now the head coach of Kenya’s Harambee Stars.
Click for the other candidates
What’s your dream Orlando Pirates starting XI?
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