Jali-Manyisa key for Bucs – Moeti
THE combination of Andile Jali and Oupa Manyisa can be key for Orlando Pirates over the two legs of their African Champions League final against Al Ahly, beginning with Saturday night’s home match at Orlando Stadium, said former central midfielder John Moeti.
Moeti, a key midfield cog in the 1995 Bucs team that won the then-Champions Cup, said yesterday central midfielders Jali and Manyisa have both hit form at the right time, and will be important in the first leg, and crucial in the second.
“In the home game, the most important approach will be to attack. So the combination is important, though not as crucial as in the away leg,” Moeti said.
“But generally that combination is very important for Pirates, and has proved so in getting them this far.
“Also, there’s Thandani Ntshumayelo, who has played very well when he’s been fielded and complimented those two.”
With the emphasis on attack it seems unlikely coach Roger de Sa will field three central midfielders in the first leg.
It should rest on Jali and Manyisa, the twin pistons in the engine room in the Bucs side that won trebles in 2011 and 2012, to win the ball and provide creativity.
“I’ve been surprised by Manyisa – I didn’t think he was a ball winner but he is, he’s strong,” Moeti said. “And I really saw that in the derby against [Kaizer] Chiefs [on Saturday]. He was on top of Reneilwe Letsholonyane.
“When the two are on form, like now, they make Pirates tick.”
Moeti believes Jali and Manyisa are the best Bucs central pairing since his partnership with the late Clifford Moleko in the 1990s.
Moeti said goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa, defender Rooi Mahamutsa and striker Lennox Bacela are among other key players to have got Bucs to the final of the lucrative tournament. He believes Pirates need to use their pace and skill to unsettle the superbly structured Ahly.
He added: “The north Africans do struggle to deal with our quickness and If Tlou Segolela is on song, Pirates have a better chance.”