Orlando Pirates asisstant playing MTN8 final mind games?
Let's see how it pans out.
Orlando Pirates assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi has issued a cryptic statement on the fitness of Olisa Ndah and Monnapule Saleng. before the MTN8 final.
Saleng and Ndah could still feature in the MTN8 final
Orlando Pirates assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi has briefed the media on the fitness of key duo Olisa Ndah and Monnapule Saleng. Both missed the club’s 1-0 win at Richards Bay last time out. Club captain Innocent Maela deputized for Ndah in defence while new boy Gilberto started on the right-hand side of the attacking midfield trio in place of Saleng.
“Unfortunately, I do not have a full report correctly pointing out,” said Ncikazi.
“They have not trained for some days, but they are still in the medical room to pass a late fitness test.
“So, currently I am not sure because I left, there was training in the morning so I did not see training, and I don’t have a full medical report.
“But I am praying that we are in full strength to play such a difficult side.”
“If that doesn’t happen, I still think that we have a very capable team in their absence to be able to win, hence the team has got so many players to handle the situation in their absence.”
Predicted Orlando Pirates XI vs Stellenbosch: Key decisions to be made
Ndah and Saleng remain major injury doubts. It’s a toss-up between Gilberto and Kabelo Dlamini to start on the right-hand side of the attacking midfield trio. Gilberto started against Richards Bay but Dlamini made a match-winning cameo off the bench. Coach Jose Riveiro must also make a difficult decision between whether to start Tshegofatso Mabasa or Evidence Makgopa. Mabasa is usually the first-choice but Makgopa was picked to start the recent Nedbank Cup final.
Big-game player Saleng will start if he’s deemed fit enough, and club captain Innocent Maela’s experience could see him stay in the side if Ndah isn’t fit enough to make the squad. Plenty of big choices for Mr Riveiro.
Kickoff from Moses Mabhida on Saturday 05 October is at 18:00.
Are Pirates going to beat Stellies to win the MTN8 crown?
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