Pirates' Azola Matrose reveals his PSL five-a-side team

Orlando Pirates attacker Azola Matrose has revealed his DStv Premiership dream five-a-side as domestic football edges closer to a return following the international break.

Although yet to feature in a competitive fixture, the speedy attacker saw his dream become a reality when he finally joined The Buccaneers at the start of the 22/23 season and spent a season-long loan at former club Chippa United.

READ | Themba Zwane: 'It's always been my dream'

Speaking exclusively to KickOff, Matrose revealed his DStv Premiership five-a-side.

Between the sticks, Matrose went for a player who has had a similar route to the Buccaneers in Sipho Chaine. The former Chippa United shot stopped was the hero for Pirates in the MTN8 Final, saving three penalties in the tense shootout against Mamelodi Sundowns.

"Goalkeeper has to be Sipho Chaine, I chose him because of his shot stopping ability, I think he's one of the best and I think he will do well at Pirates," Matrose said.

DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA - OCTOBER 07: Sipho Chaine of Orlando Pirates, man of the match during the MTN8 final match between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns at Moses Mabhida Stadium on October 07, 2023 in Durban, South Africa. Gallo Images (Photo by Darren Stewart/Gallo Images)

In defence, Matrose picked Mamelodi Sundowns right back Khuliso Mudau and Chippa United's Zuko Mdunyelwa. Mudau was voted ay the DStv Premiership defender of the season in the 22/23 campaign while Mdunyelwa was teammates with Matrose at Chippa United.

"In defence I have to go with Khuliso Madau and Zuko Mdunyelwe, those are the toughest defenders [I've played against] for me."

PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - AUGUST 09:Ashley Du Preez of Kaizer Chiefs and Khuliso Mudau of Mamelodi Sundowns during the DStv Premiership match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs at Lucas Moripe Stadium on August 09, 2023 in Pretoria, South Africa. Gallo Images (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)

POLOKWANE, SOUTH AFRICA - FEBRUARY 14: Zuko Mdunyelwa of Chippa United celebrates their win at the end of the Nedbank Cup last 32 match between Polokwane City and Chippa United at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on February 14, 2023 in Polokwane, South Africa. Gallo Images (Photo by Philip Maeta/Gallo Images)

In the middle of the park, Matrose opted for current teammate in Monnapule Saleng and Sekhukhune United's Siphesihle Mkhize. Saleng was nominated for the PSL Footballer of the Season awarded, having contributed 15 goals and 11 assists last season.

"[Monnapule] Saleng has to be there because he did really well last season. In midfield I would also choose Siphesihle Mkhize. He's a very good player and underrated," Matrose said.

STELLENBOSCH, SOUTH AFRICA - AUGUST 05: Monnapule Saleng of Orlando Pirates take the free kick cross during the DStv Premiership match between Stellenbosch FC and Orlando Pirates at Danie Craven Stadium on August 05, 2023 in Stellenbosch, South Africa. Gallo Images (Photo by EJ Langner/Gallo Images)

New Sekhukhune United signing Siphesihle Mkhize.Supplied Sekhukhune United media

Upfront, the 20-year-old attacker went with another former teammate in striker Etiosa Ighodaro who scored 11 goals in 27 appearances for the Chilli Boys last season, before a move to SuperSport United, both on loan from Mamelodi Sundowns.

"Then Ighodaro, he's also someone that I got to play with and I know his abilities. He's a really good striker."

DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA - MAY 03: Etiosa Ighodaro of Chippa United during the DStv Premiership match between Richards Bay and Chippa United at King Zwelithini Stadium on May 03, 2023 in Durban, South Africa. Gallo Images (Photo by Darren Stewart/Gallo Images)

ALSO READ | Dolly delivers honest assessment of Chiefs form

Having recently recovered from an injury, Matrose will be aiming to break into Jose Riveiro's starting line-up as Pirates return to action with a last 16 clash against Cape Town Spurs on Friday at Orlando Stadium.

You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.

Click HERE to register!