Orlando Pirates head coach José Riveiro has weighed in on the goalkeeping conundrum at the team ahead of the highly-anticipated MTN8 final against AmaZulu at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
Pirates had Richard Ofori as their first-choice goalie, but the Ghanaian international sustained an injury.
In the absence of Ofori, Siyabonga Mpontshane has been called upon as a replacement between the sticks for the Buccaneers.
HUMILIATING GOAL
Mpontshane has been impressive as the last line of defence for Pirates.
He, however, conceded a humiliating goal when Yusuf Maart scored from the centre line as Kaizer Chiefs claimed a 1-0 victory in the DStv Premiership to walk away with Soweto derby bragging rights last Saturday.
With Ofori edging closer to full fitness, the Spanish mentor is faced with the selection headache of a goalkeeper ahead of the Final.
“We have four goalkeepers in our squad, Kopano Thuntsane, Sipho Chaine, Siyabonga Mpontshane and Richard Ofori,” Riveiro told the media at Rand Stadium.
“They are all going to train this week as usual, and at the end of the week, we have to decide who is the right one to play in the Final,” Added Riveiro
Pirates have had an inconsistent start to the new season after winning five games, drawing four times while losing in four outings in the league.
TIGHTENED UP
The Sea Robbers have seemingly tightened up at the back and remain one of the few teams in the Premiership to concede the least number of goals.
Pirates have conceded seven goals after 13 games played so far in the 2022/23 campaign.
Meanwhile, the Soweto giants are expected to provide an update on the fitness of captain Innocent Maela who was stretched out after picking up a hamstring injury against Chiefs at FNB Stadium.
With Ofori and Mpontshane fit, it remains to be seen who will start in the final against Usuthu. That match is scheduled for 18:00.
