Tshegofatso Mabasa knows how to score goals for Orlando Pirates and how to hurt Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto Derby.
Mabasa reveals Kaizer Chiefs’ major weakness
Last season’s Golden Boot winner, Tshegofatso Mabasa, is licking his lips at the prospect of meeting Kaizer Chiefs. The Glamour Boys only have two shutouts in 14 games this season. Pirates are the top scorers in the division. Via SABCSport:
“Look, definitely, it’s been a bit of a problem for them in terms of keeping clean sheets, so it’s all about the weaknesses that we find when we analyse them,” said Mabasa.
“Hopefully we can take advantage of that going into Saturday’s game – the biggest thing is that we know we have quality players, and we obviously create a lot of chances through the information we get from our analysts and coaches.
“So it’s just been a matter of sharpening our scoring skills, like I’ve been saying for the past couple of months – people are yet to see what this team is made of.
“This season, look, we’ve managed to take the chances that have come our way, and that’s why we have managed to score so many goals, so I think it’s just a matter of taking our chances [against Chiefs].”
There’s a mad scramble for bragging rights as the country’s top goal scorer in this season’s Betway Premiership. The LATEST updated numbers. Image: Joseph Betrand X
Pirates get a double defensive boost
In Pirates’ relatively comfortable 3-1 win at Richards Bay in the Nedbank Cup, regular number one goalkeeper Sipho Chaine wasn’t risked. He’s one booking away from a suspension so Pirates clearly had one eye on the Soweto Derby in this regard. Nkosinathi Sibisi missed the clash at Bay through suspension but he should return against Kaizer Chiefs in place of Tapelo Xoki.
Predicted Pirates XI vs Chiefs
The Sea Robbers side has a nice, settled look about it with the reliable attacking midfield triumvirate of Mohau Nkota, Patrick Maswanganyi and Rele Mofokeng more than capable of painting pretty pictures and giving defenders considerable headaches.
Chaine; Van Rooyen, Sesane, Sibisi, Hotto; Mbatha, Makhaula; Nkota, Maswanganyi, Mofokeng; Mabasa.
Relebohile Mofokeng in action for Orlando Pirates against Cape Town City FC at the DHL Stadium. Image: FootballSA
Key battle?
The evergreen, versatile talents of 34-year-old Deon Hotto Kavendji aren’t lost on the Pirates supporters. The Namibian utility star always delivers what his manager wants and does so in several positions. Mostly utilized on the left-hand side of the defence in recent years after cutting his teeth as a left winger, Hotto has also been deployed in a right-sided attacking role in Caf Champions League clashes this term. The ultimate ‘Swiss Army Knife’ player, Hotto will be key to Pirates’ chances of success on Derby Day. Vast experience counts for a lot on these grand occasions. His opposite number in the derby, in all likelihood, will be exciting youngster Mfundo Vilakazi.
Orlando Pirates winger Deon Hotto. Image: Shukri Hassan/BackpagePix
Will Mabasa score against Chiefs in the Derby?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
0 Comments