Memela-Mhango magic broken up

Without doubt, one of the reasons for the goalscoring improvement after Zinnbauer took over was the chemistry and understanding between Luvuyo Memela as the number 10 and Gabadinho Mhango up front. Pirates had genuine creativity and threat between the lines with Memela back to full fitness and he was able to constantly provide through balls for Mhango to convert.

In the bio-bubble, Memela barely played. His creativity was missed hugely and then he was allowed to depart the club for AmaZulu FC in the off-season. His absence has been felt, even if having a creative hub like him often meant the side had to be built around him, with players like Vincent Pule playing more conservative roles to cover Memela’s freedom and lack of defensive contribution. Terrence Dzvukamanja has largely replaced him in the number 10 role, but he is not as creative and has spent the last few weeks out injured anyway. club’s league minutes this season. He has only started four matches, with a further eight substitute outings. He has only scored four goals in his last 22 league appearances, having scored 10 goals in Zinnbauer’s first seven matches in charge. This resembles the big downturn in form seen between him scoring nine league goals as Wits won the 2016/17 league title and his paltry two goals scored in the following season.

Zakhele Lepasa is another who has been injured now for several weeks and he is only on 23% minutes played in the league this season, whilst Tshegofatso Mabasa, possibly the most natural finisher at the club, has played just 5% of the minutes. Jean-Marc Mundele has played only 40 league minutes in the 11 matches since he signed and has had to make do with outings in weakened lineups in the CAF Confederation Cup. He is only on loan from AS Vita Club and therefore the lack of faith in him is not surprising.