Mabokgwane ready for the derby
Keeper puts setbacks behind
Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Jackson Mabokgwane has been on the wrong end of highlight-reels in the past.
Who can forget his howler against Bloemfontein Celtic in December 2016, when he allowed the ball to bounce over him and into the net?
Or the Oscarine Masuluke’s Fifa Puskas Award-nominated bicycle kick in the dying minutes to equalise for Baroka in November 2016.
And the embarrassing 6-0 hammering at the hands of Mamelodi Sundowns last year in February.
For a man who has been the subject of bloopers and ridicule in the past, Mabokgwane has remained strong.
“As a goalkeeper, you are judged more harshly than the other players. When you make a mistake it becomes a big thing,” Mabokgwane said.
“After those difficult moments I just told myself that I need to work hard and put it behind me because I know what I am capable of as a keeper.
“I have a strong mentality which is one of my strengths. I am not easily shaken no matter how difficult the situation.”
The 30-year-old shot stopper has fared better this season and is now Pirates first choice. On Saturday he is set to make his Soweto Derby debut against Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium (3.30pm).
I am looking forward to playing for the first time. It is a match that means a lot to the fans and is watched by the entire country. [But] at the end of the day three points are on the line and we are aiming [for that].”
With eight games left to decide the Absa Premiership champions, the time is now for Kaizer Chiefs strikers to start finding the net.
The Glamour Boys have the worst strike-rate among the top 12 teams in the league with only 19 goals from their 22 games.
Only Bloemfontein Celtic, in 13th place and last-placed Platinum Stars, have scored less with 18 and 14 goals respectively.
Log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns have the best scoring record by far with 34 goals.
However, Chiefs have the best defensive record having conceded only 12 goals. Their attackers have to step up to the plate.
For the first time in years the big three (Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Sundowns) are all in contention for the league title with the race now in its home stretch.
Sundowns remain on top with 40 points with the Buccaneers closely behind on 36, while Chiefs are third with 35 points. The Soweto derby at the FNB Stadium on Saturday (3.30pm) takes place at a time the league honours could go either way.
Former Chiefs striker Shane McGregor says the Soweto club needs to cease their cautionary approach.
“Chiefs need to stop playing defensively and be more consistent in attack,” McGregor said. They must not play with the fear of losing. If they can just attack then the goals will come.”
Ryan Moon has been chipping in with crucial goals, but the overall attack needs to play with more ruthlessness.
Since scoring on debut, Leonardo Castro has struggled to make an impact and it remains debatable if he is compatible to partner Moon up front.
With the derby coming up next, McGregor said: “Pirates are looking good at the moment and are playing like a different side under their new technical team. Chiefs can turn up on the day but the momentum is with Pirates.”