Five Pirates players to watch against Chiefs

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Tshegofatso Mabasa of Orlando Pirates

Orlando Pirates are unbeaten against their fiercest rivals, Kaizer Chiefs, since 2014 heading into Saturday’s Telkom Knockout quarter-final. The Buccaneers, however, have endured a tough period and will need the following five stars to help fire them past Amakhosi, writes DEAN WORKMAN.

Amakhosi and the Buccaneers will clash in the first Soweto derby of the season at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, with a spot in the semi-finals up for grabs and both Soweto giants yearning to end their trophy drought.

This was touted as the season Pirates were set to deliver success to their fans, but it hasn’t quite gone according to plan as they first lost their coach Milutin Sredojevic to Egypt before going on an indifferent run under interim boss Rhulani Mokwena.

In a derby, though, the form book flies out the window and Pirates will be looking to their big players to make the difference come Saturday.

The five players who could make the difference:

Thembinkosi Lorch

The 2018-19 Footballer of the Season has had a tough start to the new campaign, as he has struggled to recapture his best form.

However, he was back on the scoresheet in the TKO last-16 win against Stellenbosch and looks to finally be finding his way back to his best form.

Lorch’s speed and skill will certainly test the Chiefs backline and his ability to create a moment of magic could prove to be the difference.

Tshegofatso Mabasa

The recently signed striker has been one of the shining lights for the Sea Robbers this season, netting five goals and picking up one assist in his nine appearances so far.

Mabasa has managed to cement his spot in the team with his link-up play and devastating finishing ability, which has already saved Pirates on a few occasions this campaign.

The former Bloemfontein Celtic forward will be a handful for the Chiefs backline and could very well turn out to be a match winner come Saturday.

Happy Jele

Experience and composure play a massive role in such an encounter and Jele has both in abundance.

Pirates have struggled to keep clean sheets this season and will need Jele at top of his game to keep out a red-hot Chiefs forward line.

Wayne Sandilands

The former Sundowns keeper has worked his way back into the side after losing his spot to Frenchman Joris Delle a few weeks ago.

Sandilands is a vocal keeper who looks to organise his defence and lead from the back, and while he has had his moments of madness while playing for Pirates he is also capable of producing the spectacular.

If the Buccaneers are to come out on top they will need to keep out the in-form Chiefs strikers with Sandilands as the last line of defence.

Linda Mntambo

He may not have played much this season, but after a man-of-the-match performance last time out against Highlands Park, Mntambo may just get his big chance against Amakhosi.

Mntambo’s ability to play in between the lines, as well as his knack for picking out the killer pass, will be a vital weapon for Mokwena on Saturday.