Changes for Pirates ahead of MTN8

Before their matchup with AmaZulu in the MTN8 championship, Orlando Pirates need to reflect a little bit. Some of that thinking has been done for them by The South African. The MTN8 final will feature Orlando Pirates on Saturday. Three crucial changes could help the Buccaneers win some early silverware.

The Buccaneers are still nursing their wounds from losing to Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto Derby. But they’ll be determined to start again right away. Then, what better way to make up for that loss than to raise silverware? After all, their archrivals haven’t done that for seven years.

THREE KEY CHANGES ON THE HORIZON FOR ORLANDO PIRATES

RIVEIRO MUST CHOOSE A DANGEROUS SURPRISE

Early on in October, the Pirates lost three straight games without scoring. Despite scoring six goals in three games after that, it will be quite concerning to fail to score in the Soweto Derby.

How can this problem of a lack of innovation be fixed? On Saturday, Fortune Makaringe or Kwame Peprah might be added to the starting lineup. Nothing can catch a rival manager off guard like a surprise element.

MIGUEL TIMM WILL BE REMOVED BY ORLANDO PIRATES SO THAT THEY CAN SHAPE UP

Miguel Timm’s presence in the Soweto Derby was much missed, but now that he has served his ban, he must be selected for the starting lineup in Saturday’s MTN8 final. Their hopes on Saturday will depend heavily on his capacity to control the tempo and maintain the team’s formation. Additionally, it will bring out the best in Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo.

THE TEAM AND STRATEGY OF RIVEIRO WILL BE BUILT AROUND NDLONDLO

Even though it was a system that had all three of Zakhele Lepasa, Kermit Erasmus, and attacking midfield dynamo Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo, the 4-4-2 formation failed to beat Kaizer Chiefs. But even if it requires a tactical adjustment, manager Jose Riveiro must find a way to make things work between this great trio. Ndlondlo’s proximity to the strikers increases the likelihood that Erasmus and Lepasa will benefit from his presence.

If Makaringe or Peprah, or another unexpected offensive choice, is made, it must be based on the player’s compatibility with Ndlondlo. The playmaker from the former Gallants controls everything.

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