With the absence of Makhehlene Makhaula having somewhat cost Orlando Pirates in their midweek loss to Cape Town City, a club legend has suggested one player who is as equally capable.
Makhaula was suspended after having received his fourth caution of the season in the 1-0 win over Magesi FC, which presented head coach Jose Riveiro with a headache on who to start alongside Thalente Mbatha in defensive midfield for the Wednesday fixture at DHL Stadium.
In the end, Bucs lost 1-0 in a match many believe they lacked the necessary bite in the heart of midfield, with Mbatha at times looking overworked.
A former striker of the side, Andries Sebola, has provided a solution for when the same situation rears its head next time.
"They will manage without Makhaula because they still have [Miguel] Timm and [Selaelo] Rasebotja, and we mustn't forget about Thalente Mbatha as well," says Sebola.
"Personally, I believe Rasebotja will always be a better replacement for Makhaula because he can anchor the midfield effectively, unlike Timm, who tends to play long balls and hasn't been getting much game-time lately," says Sebola.
Pirates had Rasebotja on the bench, with Timm not making the matchday squad, but the former did not make it to the pitch with the head coach introducing attacking players, especially after having gone a goal down.
While there have been promising signs for Rasebotja, who was signed at the beginning of the season from SuperSport United, the fortunes of fan-favourite Timm have since dwindled, with age also not on his side.
The Soweto giants next face CR Belouizdad in the Champions League on Sunday, needing a win at all costs to make it to the quarterfinals.