Fearsome five can ensure glory
Orlando Pirates will be favourites heading into Saturday’s Telkom Knockout final at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth‚ with greater experience and star quality than opponents Baroka FC.
That is no guarantee of success‚ however‚ and they will have to be at their best to see off the plucky Limpopo outfit.
There are many potential match-winners in the Pirates aside‚ but five players could be influential on the day. HAPPY JELE
Jele is a veteran of 12 previous cup finals for Pirates‚ including the African Champions League and Confederation Cup‚ but does not have a happy record.
The stalwart defender‚ now in his 13th season with the Buccaneers‚ will hope it proves a lucky one and he can improve on his three knockout trophy wins to date.
He is the only player in the squad to have featured in every single minute of the domestic season so far and brings great experience and leadership to the side. INNOCENT MAELA Left-back Maela is known for his high work-rate and his energy will be needed against a young and eager Baroka side.
Having scored no goals in 26 starts last season‚ he already has two in this campaign.
He has been among the most consistent performers in this campaign.
XOLA MLAMBO There is always much talk around Mlambo and for good reason. When on song he is able to pick apart any defence with his awareness of the spaces and the ability to get the ball into good areas.
There is no doubt he will be targeted on Saturday.
He was rested last weekend by Pirates in the 0-0 draw with Maritzburg United for fear that he might pick up a suspension having already picked up three yellow cards this season. AUGUSTINE MULENGA Perhaps the lesser-heralded of Pirates’ Zambian pair‚ but no less important than Justin Shonga to their cause.
Mulenga brings trickery and guile and complements the more “direct” forwards well.
Shonga plays better when his compatriot is on the pitch as they have an excellent understanding.
Mulenga maybe does not score as many goals as he should‚ but he is also an unselfish player and more often than not looks for the pass rather than taking a shot. VINCENT PULE
The man of the moment for Pirates as much of their good attacking play flows through Pule these days as he revels in the quality of the ball into him and the freedom to play his own way.
Since moving to Pirates at the start of the season he has been a player transformed as he gets the ball to feet.
His movement along the forward line is also impressive and with excellent ball-players such as Mlambo‚ Ben Motshwari and Musa Nyatama behind him‚ it gives them plenty to aim at.