Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates are set to clash in the Nedbank Cup final on Saturday afternoon, a match of great significance for both teams. Kick-off is set for 15h30 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
For Chiefs, a victory could reshape how fans perceive the season. It has been a challenging first season for coach Nasreddine Nabi, who was brought in to turn their fortunes around.
Winning this cup would end a decade-long trophy drought, with their last silverware being the 2014/15 league title. They last won the Nedbank Cup in the 2012/13 season.
On the other hand, Pirates’ coach Jose Riveiro is just weeks away from leaving the club, and the players are motivated to give him a perfect send-off. Additionally, the Buccaneers aspire to become the first team to win three successive Nedbank Cups. Having won three consecutive MTN8 titles, they are eager to replicate that success.
HOW WILL PIRATES & CHIEFS COULD LINE UP?
FARPost predicts the likely starting lineups for the two coaches ahead of Saturday’s match. For Pirates, Bafana Bafana goalkeeper, Sipho Chaine, returns after being rested during their victory over Golden Arrows on Tuesday.
In defence, the Spaniard may start with four players: Deano van Rooyen, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, and Nkosinathi Sibisi, who returns from suspension, along with Deon Hotto.
In midfield, Thalente Mbatha is also back from suspension and could partner with Makhehlene Makhaula, while Patrick Maswanganyi plays in front of them.
Evidence Makgopa will lead the attack, supported by Mohau Nkota and Relebohile Mofokeng on the flanks.
On the other hand, Nabi might need to make a change in the goalkeeping department. Brandon Petersen could be chosen after Bruce Bvuma’s recent struggles.
The Tunisian is likely to employ a 5-3-2 formation, with Inacio Miguel returning to the lineup after a month-long injury absence. Edmilson Dove and Zitha Kwinika will slot into central defence, while Pule Mmodi and Dillan Solomons will fill the wing-back positions.
In midfield, Yusuf Maart may anchor the play, with Thabo Cele operating as the eight, while Nkosingiphile Ngcobo is tasked with creating scoring opportunities for the front two. Wandile Duba will likely lead the attack, with Glody Lilepo positioned just behind him.
Predicted line-ups:
Pirates: Chaine, Mbokazi, Sibisi, Hotto, van Rooyen, Mbatha, Makhaula, Mofokeng, Nkota, Maswanganyi, Makgopa.
Chiefs: Petersen, Dove, Kwinika, Miguel, Mmodi, Solomons, Maart, Cele, Ngcobo, Lillepo, Duba.
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