Orlando Pirates have several reasons to be excited, not least of which is the array of top-calibre talent in their playing squad.
Nkota shines on the Champions League stage again
Substitute Mohau Nkota’s 65th-minute strike was enough to give Pirates a critical 1-0 lead in their two-legged Caf Champions League quarter-final against MC Alger. Nkota seems to keep his best for the continental nights, having supplied a pair of assists in a match against Stade d’Abidjan earlier in the competition. Next up for the Sea Robbers is a PSL clash with Polokwane on Sunday, 06 April at 15:00. The second leg against MC Alger is on Wednesday, 09 April at 18:00. Will the 20-year-old start in that match?
New formation pays dividends for Orlando Pirates
A trio of central defenders Tapelo Xoki, Nkosinathi Sibisi and Mbekezeli Mbokazi, dealt with everything thrown at them by a pacey MC Alger attack in a tricky first-leg tie. It was a pragmatic, sensible approach from head coach Jose Riveiro, and it paid dividends. We’re unlikely to see Riveiro use this system in Betway Premiership games. However, it could be just the ticket in tricky continental clashes. It’s yet another trait that Pirates fans love so much about the Spanish tactician: his adaptability.
Injuries have forced Riveiro’s hand
Pirates currently have four defenders on the treatment table, namely Thabiso Sesane, Thabiso Monyane, Thabiso Lebitso and Olisa Ndah. Sesane and Ndah are arguably the club’s top central defensive pairing when everyone is fit, so Riveiro is doing his best with what’s available. Ironically, the switch to three at the back meant that match-winner Nkota was the casualty in the Bucs’ starting XI. However, he proved his worth off the bench. This gives Mr Riveiro an almighty selection headache before the second leg.
Reminder of the side which beat MC Alger
In this system, Riveiro deployed three central defenders and two roaming wing-backs (Deano Van Rooyen and Deon Hotto). That meant Evidence Makgopa and Kabelo Dlamini could stay narrow to make the play behind Relebohile Mofokeng, roaming in a free role. The 3-4-1-2 system doesn’t suit an out-and-out winger like Mohau Nkota, but he’s good enough to adapt and carve out his own role.
Starting XI (3-4-2-1:) Chaine; Xoki, Sibisi, Mbokazi; Van Rooyen, Mbatha, Makhaula, Hotto; Dlamini, Makgopa; Mofokeng.
Is Nkota perhaps slightly underrated by Pirates fans?
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