Nkosikhona Ndaba has been given full marks after making his debut for Orlando Pirates, who beat big league rookies Orbit College FC to move to the top half of the standings on Tuesday.
Orbit found themselves on the losing side with a 1-0 scoreline after putting up a gusty display at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday.
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For the home side, Ndaba was handed his debut as Deon Hotto came off at the beginning of the second half. The 23-year-old attracted rave reviews post-match after putting in a solid shift.
“Honestly speaking, the Orbit boys played a superb game. It’s just that the substitutions the Pirates coach (Abdeslam Ouaddou) made in the second half made a big difference," said Thulasizwe Mbuyane in assessing proceedings.
"In the first half, we didn’t look like we wanted to play or score.
“Orbit played very well. They pressed us high. Unfortunately, they had to come to Orlando Stadium when we desperately needed points.
“The introduction of players like Sipho Mbule and Ndaba was crucial.
"Ndaba played excellently.
"We needed a left-back of his calibre. I rate him very highly," added the former striker, before giving Ouaddou something to think about.
“In our next game, the coach must work hard on selecting his starting line-up. Ndaba is not bench material. After playing so well in his first game for Pirates, he deserves to start.
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“He is on the same level as Lucas Thwala, Innocent Mdledle, and Patrick Phungwayo in terms of talent. He is unafraid to push forward, and his recovery was excellent.
"If he continues to focus on his game, he will go far.
“Pirates have not yet turned the corner, but yesterday's result will serve as a great boost,” says Mbuyane.
