Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs will do battle for Soweto Derby bragging rights soon. Is this the strongest XI available to Jose Riveiro?
Pirates’ strongest XI without injuries
Chaine; Van Rooyen, Sesane, Sibisi, Hotto; Makhaula, Mbatha; Nkota, Maswanganyi, Mofokeng; Mabasa.
Manager Jose Riveiro could juggle his squad after their recent Caf Champions League exertions. Mohau Nkota was an unused sub against Al Ahly in Egypt but should come back into the side after a string of impressive domestic performances. Tshegofatso Mabasa came off the bench to score in Egypt and could earn himself a start here. How much of his selection will be influenced by Sunday’s match with Richards Bay?
Mofokeng walks a tightrope
After a string of recent yellow cards, 20-year-old Relebohile Mofokeng is one booking away from an automatic suspension. Should he pick up a caution here, he’d miss the Soweto Derby against Chiefs next weekend. Manager Jose Riveiro has several options in wide areas so he may choose to wrap his crown jewel in cotton wool for this one. That, or he could use Mofokeng from the start and potentially withdraw him if his side makes the points safe. This is why managers earn the big bucks. Utility man Deon Hotto started in a wide midfield role against Al Ahly although Kabelo Dlamini is also an option as an inverted winger with Hotto returning to left-back.
Mofokeng is the Pirates MVP
20-year-old Relebohile Mofokeng is now one of the first names on any Pirates team sheet. Jose Riveiro often opts to rotate his options across Caf Champions League and Betway Premiership action. However, young Mofokeng hardly ever gets a breather because of his growing importance to the cause. He scored again when Pirates beat Al Ahly in Egypt.Â
Deon Hotto to bow out with glory against Kaizer Chiefs?
Hotto, a star for Namibia at Afcon 2023, has been a rock-solid operator down the left-hand side of the Pirates team. Equally adept in defence or midfield, he’s a manager’s dream. At 34, however, his contract expires in June and is unlikely to be extended as he’s currently on R500k a month. The vastly-experienced star has 65 caps and 10 goals for his country. He made 27 appearances in the Betway Premiership last season with a goal and five assists. This term he’s got a goal and three assists after just 10 games. To say he’ll be difficult to replace is a gross understatement. Will they live to regret letting him go? There are at least two more years left in his legs at the top level.ÂPut Hotto in almost any position on the pitch and he’ll give you a solid performance.
What would your starting XI be, Bucs fans?
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