Orlando Pirates have become accustomed to lifting cups under Spanish boss Jose Riveiro. They’re on the brink of claiming an MTN8 treble, but there are some hurdles in the way.
Orlando Pirates must stave off any potential complacency
It’s become a bit of a habit. Pirates are hunting for a treble of MTN8 wins to go with their pair of Nedbank Cup successes under Jose Riveiro. You’d forgive them if a tiny bit of complacency crept into their game, but Riveiro doesn’t seem like the type to tolerate that.
Mojela to start paying off his price tag?
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.
Overall, we all know Steve Barker’s Stellies side is talented, immensely hard-working and well-organized. Pirates will need to be at their brilliant best to get the job done.
Likely Bucs starting XI
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.
Predicted XI: Chaine; Monyane, Sesane, Sibisi, Hotto; Makhaula, Mbatha; Dlamini, Maswanganyi, Mofokeng; Mabasa
The Mabasa/Makgopa dilemma
With his recent 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?
Are Pirates going to beat Stellies to win the MTN8 crown?
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