Bucs keen to put loss behind them
ALMOST a month after goalkeeper Felipe Ovono made two schoolboy errors which cost Orlando Pirates in the MTN8, the Buccaneers return to Bidvest Stadium eager for a positive result and to stay at the top of the Absa Premiership table.
The Buccaneers were beaten 2-1 by the Clever Boys last month, but left the stadium feeling like they should have won after their shot-stopper gifted Wits the two goals which got them through to the semifinal.
Pirates coach Muhsin Ertugral has since made changes in the goalkeeping department, bringing in Brighton Mhlongo who has conceded one goal in the team’s last two matches.
It’s a top-of-the-table clash for the unbeaten teams, who are both on seven points after three league matches. Kickoff is 8.15pm.
“Last time Tendai [Ndoro] had two sitters. This is a different game, different dynamics, different situations. Some of the decisions we took [against Cape Town City on Wednesday], including myself, was not on.
“I need to understand the players and they need to understand me,” Ertugral said.
He was disappointed after his players failed to follow instructions in the goalless draw with Cape Town City at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday.
Second-placed Wits, meanwhile, beat Baroka FC 2-0 in the league on Tuesday and it seems as though they are only just warming up after booking their place in the MTN8 final, where they will face Mamelodi Sundowns.
A number of their new signings, such as Thabang Monare, Xola Mlambo and Gabadinho Mhango, have not taken time to settle and are already commanding regular spots ahead of players who helped the club finish second last season.
The competition for places at Wits can only be good for the club going forward, but coach Gavin Hunt has to make sure he keeps the squad happy to avoid a clash of egos.
It should be an interesting battle between the two Zimbabwean strikers Cuthbert Malajila and Ndoro.
Malajila opened his Wits account with a well-taken header against Baroka, while Ndoro has already bagged himself five goals this season.