Paez gets chance, where is Mobara?
SOCCER WRITERS
and run the rule over Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates ahead of tomorrow’s Carling Black Label Cup encounter. THE AMAKHOSI’S faithful have spoken and they reckon that Gustavo Paez is ready to start matches, something that coach Steve Komphela was not keen on doing last season.
In tomorrow’s Carling Black Label Champion Cup at FNB Stadium (3.30pm kickoff), the 27-year old will hope to reward his supporters with a goal or two, as Amakhosi target a third win in this friendly.
Another wise call made by Chiefs’ supporters was that they opted to go with the tried and tested in George Lebese as a suitable replacement for the injured Siphiwe Tshabalala on the left wing. Khune, who will be in goal, will hope the combination of Lorenzo Gordinho, Eric Mathoho, Ramahlwe Mphahlele and Tsepo Masilela, will be switched on throughout the match to avoid the sort of last-minute errors that saw them fall short of challenging for the PSL title last season. Kaizer Chiefs Starting XI: Khune, Mphahlele, Tower, Gordinho, Masilela, Ekstein, Katsande, Maluleka, Lebese, Parker, Paez BUCCANEER supporters left me astonished after they were given an opportunity to select their best eleven.
Pirates fans didn’t select one of their shinning stars from last season in Abbubaker Mobara.
Mobara gave Pirates steal and composure at the back. The lad from Cape Town lacked a good partner and I think Justice Chabalala who is back on loan from Chippa United will form a solid partnership with Mobara.
Having said that, I believe Ayanda Gcaba and Happy Jele deserve an opportunity to show us what they have in store for the Buccaneers. The duo know that they owe it to their fans.
Patrick Phungwayo is a player with a lot of potential, but injuries have hampered his progress over the years. This is another chance for him to stamp his authority at left-back. Marc van Heerden and young Thabo Maele are waiting to pounce should he blow this opportunity.
Thabo Matlaba is one player who will always give you more than 100%. Even when the chips are down his telling contributions never go unnoticed.
Issa Sarr will be protecting the Pirates back four in the heart of midfield. Sarr’s work-rate is immaculate, but his passing game is average. Thamsanqa Sangweni only recently joined Pirates, so I assume that’s the reason why he didn’t make it into the starting XI. Oupa Manyisa looked a different player under Kjell Jonevret towards the end of last season.
All eyes will be on him marshalling the midfield for Pirates. Thamsanqa Gabuza and Tendia Ndoro have another chance to prove that they bang in goals. This Pirates team chosen by the supporters doesn’t convince me. I would have loved to see Manyisa pulling the strings together with Musa Nyatama and Sangweni in the midfield, with Thabo Rakhale and Riyaad Norodien on the wings. Orlando Pirates Starting XI: Mpontshane, Matlaba, Jele, Gcaba, Phungwayo, Makola, Manyisa, Sarr, Memela, Gabuza, Ndoro