Who’ll don the gloves for the Buccaneers final fling?
All three keepers have been awful
A big problem for Orlando Pirates this season has been their goalkeeping department.
From having top goalkeepers such as Patson Banda, Williams Okpara, the late Senzo Meyiwa and Moeneeb Josephs, the Buccaneers have been let down by a comedy of errors from the three shot-stoppers in goal this season.
As we look forward for the Nedbank Cup final between Pirates and SuperSport United at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, the big question is: Who should start in goal as Bucs look to finish a catastrophic campaign on a high?
Brighton Mhlongo has the most appearances with 16 in all competitions. He’s conceded 23 goals and kept just three clean sheets. Jackson Mabokgwane has made 13 appearances in all competitions, conceding 16 times with six clean slates.
Third-choice Siyabonga Mpo- ntshane has featured eight times, conceding six with two clean sheets. Mhlongo and Mabokgwane conceded six goals each in a league game against SuperSport and Mamelodi Sundowns respectively. So who should start? Ex-Pirates goalkeeper John Tlale thinks Mhlongo should get the nod, but he admits it’s a difficult decision to make.
“It’s difficult to pick because they [all] make individual mistakes. But I think Mhlongo should play because he has been there before. Mabokgwane loses concentration at vital stages and makes costly mistakes. All of them have not been consistent,” said Tlale.
“I think this is one of the main reasons Pirates are not in the top eight. I was a goalkeeper and we are bound to make mistakes, but you need to give your teammates confidence.”