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Five talking points from Celtic’s win over Pirates

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Thabo Matlaba of Orlando Pirates and Bongani Sam of Bloemfontein Celtic.

Steve Komphela continued his perfect start at Bloemfontein Celtic, while the ‘delicious food’ that Orlando Pirates coach Milutin Sredojevic promised seems to still be in the oven, writes DEAN WORKMAN.

1. Possession without end product means nothing

The Soweto giants have started to form a reputation as the pass masters of South African football. However, for all the possession they have had in their four Absa Premiership games, the Sea Robbers have failed to add an end product. Pirates have only scored two goals so far in the league and are yet to score from open play, something that would surely be worrying Micho, Rhulani Mokwena and co.

READ: Celtic sink wasteful Pirates

2. Komphela working wonders at Celtic

Komphela may have left Kaizer Chiefs under a cloud of controversy, but the South African tactician has hit the ground running at Phunya Sele Sele. The former Chiefs coach has led his new team to three victories out of three, keeping clean sheets in each of those encounters. Komphela will be hoping his Celtic side can carry their early season form into next week’s clash against Amakhosi.

3. Gabuza simply not good enough

After Portia Modise criticised the Orlando Pirates striker during the week, Gabuza returned to the starting XI for the clash in Bloemfontein. The 31-year-old would have hoped to silence the doubters, but instead missed a number of golden opportunities which could have turned the game around. A poor performance from the striker, which has only raised more doubts over his place at Pirates.

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4. Pirates finishing coach already under pressure

Stephane Adam was appointed as the finishing coach at the Orlando Stadium, the first coach of his kind in the Absa Premiership, to help solve what Micho described as a ‘chronic finishing problem’. The Frenchman may have only been appointed at the beginning of August, but after some woeful finishing so far this season, questions have begun to surface around the coach’s impact.

5. Celtic need Gordinho to stay 

Alfred Ndengane and Lorenzo Gordinho are beginning to form an imposing partnership at the back for Komphela. The defensive duo helped their side to three clean sheets from three games so far. After such an impressive start, it’s no wonder Kaizer Chiefs are desperate to cut Gordinho’s loan short and why Siwelele are standing firm on their decision not to let him go.

ALSO READ: CT City share spoils with Arrows

Photo: Frikkie Kapp/BackpagePix