Orlando Pirates have settled on Tshegofatso Mabasa as their starting striker. However, he could easily be paired alongside Evidence Makgopa in some game situations—the MTN8 final looms.
Makgopa or Mabasa in the MTN8 final?
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?
Kickoff on Saturday 05 October is at 18:00.
Orlando Pirates predicted XI vs Sundowns 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.
Predicted XI: Chaine; Monyane, Sesane, Sibisi, Hotto; Makhaula, Mbatha; Dlamini, Maswanganyi, Mofokeng; Mabasa
Pirates chasing booty
Pirates are back at the top table of African continental competition following their routine aggregate win over Jwaneng Galaxy. They’ll participate in the 2024-2024 Caf Champions League group stages, and they bank a minimum of R12 million in the process. Advancement to the quarter-finals would swell Pirates’ earnings to R15.6 million and the money keeps on getting better the further they go. For now, the bragging rights and R10 million prize money of the MTN8 will be their focus.
Are Pirates going to beat Stellies to win the MTN8 crown?
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