WeeklySA_AdminNEDBANK CUP: Rampant Pirates in the area
By Masoja Cele
It will require some great football intervention for Richards Bay to survive the Orlando Pirates juggernaut in the Nedbank Cup last 32 on Sunday. The intriguing clash will be played at King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium, Durban. Kick-off 15:00.
In earnest it wouldn’t have been the Rich Boyz wish to cross path with the Nedbank Cup defending champions Pirates at the moment.
Whether or not that this is enough remains to seen as the Nedbank is certainly too important to be awarded on sentimentality. Instead, the criteria is to strut in the field of play.
The KZN side is currently facing a daunting period with positive results not forth coming. Barely a month back they showed their mentor Brendon Truter the exit door after only 7 matches at the helm.
He was replaced by his assistant Ronnie Gabriel, a role he is still in charge of. However, they have since roped in former Clinton Larsen assistant at Magesi coach Papi Zothwane.
If the Mhlathuse based side believe they can match Bucs in the field then they will have to bring a classic and highly discipline game against the untouchable Sea Robbers. Bay leading marksman Somila Ntsundwana will be a possible threat to the Pirates solid defence.
But, he will have to get impeccable support from his mates, the likes of Yanela Mbuthuma in midfield and Thabani Dube at centre back. Goalkeeper Salim Magoola will have to be focus for the entire match so he could save his team from the rampart Bucs mean machine.
Meanwhile, the Soweto giants are has instil fear among any opposition they face whether in the Betway Premiership or the Champions Cup. The Jose Riveiro led team have been excellent thus far in all competitions in the 2024/25 campaign. Riveiro’s team approach this battle after staging an impressive gutsy performance against the feared Al Ahly away in Cairo during Champions League. Bucs won 2-1.
Under the Spanish gaffer Pirates has claimed the Keyona Nedbank Cup twice, in 2023 and 2024, against Sekhukhune United and Mamelodi Sundowns respectively. The defending champions coach Riveiro has every reason to feel proud of his achievements for the club. These triumphs of course has enticed the Buccaneers supporters back to the turnstiles.
There is no doubt that Bucs are currently playing exciting and throbbing football. Relebohile ‘’Boza Yama 2k’’Mofokeng is presently in an explosive form.
His devastating runs and calmness in the opposition final third has earned Pirates many crucial victories. Definitely, he will be a player to watch non Sunday.
The interaction between Mofokeng and Thalente Mbatha is a marvel to watch. The talented Mbatha has learned to easily spot Mofokeng when on offensive and supply him with delight pass. The Bucs technical team will also trust that the main target man Tshegofatso Mabasa continue with his impressive form.
Other Bucs players who could be handful for Rich Boyz are Deon Hotto and the enterprising Patrick ‘’Tito’’ Maswanganyi. Whatever transpire on Sunday, a fierce battle is on the offing.
