Lekgwathi and Nkosi offer formation tips
Veterans weigh in as fans poised to pick starting XI
Orlando Pirates legend Lucky Lekgwathi has advised the team’s fans to pick a 4-4-2 formation in this year’s Carling Black Label Cup.
For the first time, fans have been given the power not only to pick their first XIs, but also to choose how their teams should line up in the pre-season match between Pirates and rivals Kaizer Chiefs. The match takes place at FNB Stadium on July 29.
“The years we won the ‘Treble’ [2010/11 and 2011/12] we were playing 4-4-2, and we had the right players then to compliment the formation. Everybody is very clear in their particular roles,” said Lekgwathi.
“You know Chiefs like to build from the back, so 4-4-2 gave us the numbers in midfield to press them and try and win the ball, and also the cover of four defenders.”
On the other hand, former Chiefs midfielder Siyabonga Nkosi says he prefers a 4-2-3-1 formation.
“For me the best formation would be 4-2-3-1,” he said. “You have your four at the back, advanced wingers on the right and the left, and a target main striker as a number nine, then a number
10 as a second striker.
“Many teams these days also tend to employ a 4-3-3, with three midfielders, one slightly in front of the defence, the other two on the left and the right,” he said.
“You then have a target man as number nine and two wingers slightly more inside than you normally expect.”
Fans can select teams by purchasing a Carling Black Label beer and dialing *120*660*, then they enter their unique underliner code and then #.