A former Orlando Pirates striker has tried to solve Jose Riveiro's little headache on who to start between Evidence Makgopa and Tshegofatso Mabasa in Nedbank Cup final by putting up a case for one of the two.
Pirates are intent on keeping the Nedbank Cup trophy in their cabinet by winning it for the third time in a row, but have to get past rivals Kaizer Chiefs in the final at Moses Mabhida Stadium Saturday.
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The last time the two teams met, Jose Riveiro's men emerged victorious by 2-1, with Makgopa scoring the equaliser after Amakhosi had led through Glody Lilepo. The winner came from Relebohile Mofokeng, but it was the ex-Baroka FC man who was named Man of the Match.
To say he harrased the opposition defence would be an understatement.
The tall marksman was, however, rested in the midweek win over Golden Arrows with Boitumelo Radiopane preferred, before Mabasa later came on as a substitute. The latter scored the winner in a 2-1 victory.
So, who to start up front in the blockbuster in Durban?
"I would start with Makgopa because of his work rate," says James Mothibi.
"He can tire out the Chiefs defenders, allowing Mabasa to come in during the second half and finish them off.
"Only those who don't fully understand the game might overlook Makgopa's play compared to Mabasa's. I know Mabasa is a top player, and Makgopa is also a top player. You cannot sign for Orlando Pirates unless you are exceptional.
"However, a coach has his own philosophy, and within that framework, a player must fit the system he wishes to implement.
"I remember when I was the top goalscorer at African Wanderers and a hardworking player. Our coach, Mlungisi 'Professor' Ngubane, would put me in to wear down the defenders.
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"There's no doubt about Mabasa's quality, but sometimes, if you don't get game-time, you won't improve. Yes, he's ready to step in when called upon, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he’s prepared to perform well against Chiefs.
"In football, there are dry seasons and wet seasons. Currently, Chiefs are in a dry season, so I can't underestimate them. However, I believe that the match will likely go to penalties, and that's where Pirates will come out on top."
