Orlando Pirates have several massive decisions to make when they name their starting XI to take the pitch against Stellies in the MTN8 final.
Ncikazi issues an update on Saleng and Ndah
Orlando Pirates assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi has briefed the media on the fitness of key duo Olisa Ndah and Monnapule Saleng. Both missed the club’s 1-0 win at Richards Bay last time out. Club captain Innocent Maela deputized for Ndah in defence while new boy Gilberto started on the right-hand side of the attacking midfield trio in place of Saleng.
Makgopa or Mabasa? Both?
With his brace off the bench against Polokwane, Evidence Makgopa has given Riveiro a massive headache in attack. Last season’s Golden Boot winner Tshegofatso Mabasa is still likely to start, but Makgopa gives Pirates another dimension off the bench with his relentless channel-running and underrated linkup play. However, last season’s Golden Boot winner Tshegofatso Mabasa is the first choice for the number 9 role but there’s one spicy factor to add. Makgopa, not Mabasa, started Pirates’ most recent Cup final against Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup. Will we see Riveiro spring a similar surprise again? Could we see both on the pitch at the same time if the Buccaneers are chasing the game?
Mojela a potential unlikely hero?
Although Stellenbosch has started the campaign in a somewhat indifferent form with a win, a draw and a loss from their opening three Betway Prem assignments, cup games can throw anything at you. They drew last time out against Polokwane with a goal from Lehlohonolo Mojela. The 28-year-old moved to the Winelands in July for big money from TS Galaxy. While he’s unlikely to directly step into the goal-scoring boots of departed Iqraam Rayners, an immediate return on investment will be expected. He’s certainly a big potential threat for Pirates to deal with on Saturday.
Likely Bucs starting XI vs Stellies in the MTN8 final
Olisa Ndah and Monnapule Saleng are both major injury doubts. It’s a toss-up between Gilberto and Kabelo Dlamini to start on the right-hand side of the attacking midfield trio. Gilberto started against Richards Bay but Dlamini made a match-winning cameo off the bench. Coach Jose Riveiro must also make a difficult decision between whether to start Tshegofatso Mabasa or Evidence Makgopa. Mabasa is usually the first-choice but Makgopa was picked to start the recent Nedbank Cup final. Big-game player Saleng will start if he’s deemed fit enough, and Maela’s experience could see him stay in the side too. Plenty of big choices for Mr Riveiro.
Predicted XI: Chaine; Monyane, Sesane, Sibisi, Hotto; Makhaula, Mbatha; Dlamini, Maswanganyi, Mofokeng; Mabasa
Are Pirates going to beat Stellies to win the MTN8 crown?
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