Orlando Pirates have suffered a shock 2-3 defeat by Magesi in the Carling Knockout. Here’s a match recap. Will they dip back into the market in January?
Buccaneers suffer shock Carling Knockout defeat
Jose Riveiro’s cup specialists are out of the Carling Knockout after a surprise 2-3 defeat to PSL newcomers Magesi. The Sea Robbers have won three consecutive MTN8 crowns and consecutive Nedbank Cups but the Carling Knockout continues to be a problem tournament for them. Kabelo Dlamini scored an 86th-minute consolation and a late Magesi own goal made things interesting in stoppage time but the underdogs held on for a huge win. Patrick Maswanganyi had the ball in the net in the 95th minute but his goal was correctly chalked off for offside.
Pirates starting XI vs Magesi: Chaine; Van Rooyen, Sesane, Sibisi, Hotto; Rasebotja, Dlamini; Mofokeng, Kimvuidi, Saleng; Mabasa.
Subs: Buthelezi, Maela, Monyane, Ndlondlo, Maswanganyi, Nkota, Moleleki, Gilberto, Makgopa.
Pirates might be forced to sell a striker
Meanwhile, Tshegofatso Mabasa has been the clear favourite to lead the line for Pirates for the past season and a half. However, Evidence Makgopa was again preferred to the current Betway Premiership Golden Boot holder in Pirates’ starting XI against Stellenbosch in the MTN8 final. Mabasa seems to be Jose Riveiro’s pick for the league games while Makgopa is his go-to for big occasions and cup finals. It’s an interesting situation for the manager to juggle. Makgopa led the line for Bafana Bafana at Afcon 2023 but hasn’t been part of recent Afcon 2025 qualifiers. Instead, national team coach Hugo Broos has opted for Lyle Foster and Iqraam Rayners as his focal point strikers. He’s also selected an array of wide forwards to complement them.
Mofokeng is the future
Now a regular for Bafana Bafana, Relebohile Mofokeng already looks so comfortable at the elite level of South African football. His languid, fluid style lends itself well to the frenetic pace of the Betway Premiership. He can slow things down and then accelerate again as he pleases. Mofokeng is an inverted, right-footed winger operating on the left-hand-side for Pirates. He’s adept at going inside or outside his marker, making him the perfect modern winger and a complete nightmare for opposition defenders and managers. Mofokeng also takes up central positions to score crucial goals. He’s been on the score sheet in two separate cup finals for the Buccaneers and he’s still only 19.
What are your thoughts on this surprising defeat, Bucs fans?
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