Former Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana attacker Sibusiso Vilakazi has picked the players he believes will have a big influence in the Carling Knockout Cup final between Orlando Pirates and Marumo Gallants.
The Buccaneers battle it out with Bahlabane ba Ntwa on Saturday, 6 December, at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane. The much-awaited cup final will kick off at 18:00.
This year’s edition of the Carling Knockout final tickets was officially sold out within three hours after being made available for purchase.
The winner of the tournament will walk away with R6.85 million, while the runners-up will pocket R2.85 million.
VILAKAZI ON GALLANTS PLAYERS THAT COULD CAUSE UPSET FOR PIRATES
Vilakazi singled out players like Washington Arubi, Siyabonga Nhlapo, and Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo as the players he expects to shine on Saturday from Gallants’ side.
“I mean, look at Marumo Gallants’ Washington Arubi. When they started the tournament, he made those saves when they played Sundowns, and he was very successful in those penalties. The likes of Siyabonga Nhlapo, being as experienced as he is at the age of 36, sharing his experience with the team and offloading the players. I think it will be on them to lose,” Vilakazi told FARPost.
“When you look at Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo, who has been outstanding, I think through the Carling Knockout, he started showing his capabilities. But I think it began when he was at the CHAN tournament, where he began to lift himself up. He will be facing his former club Orlando Pirates, and I think he will have something to prove.
“I’m not surprised to see him dishing out consistent performances; I mean, a brace against Stellenbosch and a goal against Golden Arrows. Those are the players to note from Gallants.”
ORLANDO PIRATES PLAYERS TO LOOK OUT FOR
Meanwhile, he mentioned Tshepang Moremi, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Sipho Mbule and Relebohile Mofokeng as Pirates players that could cause problems for the Bloemfontein-based outfit.
“On the other hand, you have Orlando Pirates, and they have been outstanding. I think you have seen Tshepang Moremi. For me, he has been one of the key players for Pirates in terms of finding the back of the net,” he added.
“Another player to look out for is Mbekezeli Mbokazi. They have many players to mention, including Sipho Mbule and Relebohile Mofokeng, who is just outstanding.
“But at the end of the day, for both clubs, bringing those players together and holding it firm as a team is what is going to make them victorious at the end of the day.”
RELATED STORY: Skudu alerts Pirates to Gallants’ perfect Carling Knockout final timing