Orlando Pirates have issued an update on the fitness of Monnapule Saleng and Olisa Ndah before the MTN8 final.
MTN8 final looms, will Saleng and Ndah play any part?
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.
“Unfortunately, I do not have a full report correctly pointing out,” said Ncikazi.
“They have not trained for some days, but they are still in the medical room to pass a late fitness test.
“So, currently I am not sure because I left, there was training in the morning so I did not see training, and I don’t have a full medical report.
“But I am praying that we are in full strength to play such a difficult side.”
“If that doesn’t happen, I still think that we have a very capable team in their absence to be able to win, hence the team has got so many players to handle the situation in their absence.”
Stellies always pose a threat
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
Are Pirates going to beat Stellies to win the MTN8 crown?
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