Former Kaizer Chiefs winger Junior Khanye says Orlando Pirates missed centre-back Olisa Ndah and midfielder Patrick Maswanganyi in their shock 3-2 loss to Magesi FC in the Carling Knockout Cup.
Dikwena Tša Meetse raced into a 3-0 first half lead before the Buccaneers’ late onslaught which saw them two late goals and though Mohau Nkota tapped in from close range in stoppage time, the goal was correctly ruled offside, which marked the second season running that Jose Riveiro’s charges were also eliminated at this stage of the competition.
The absence of Ndah, who suffered a tibia fracture in his side’s 3-0 league win over Polokwane City, as well ‘Tito’, who started on the bench and came on as a substitute for Selaelo Rasebotja, was felt as Pirates were knocked out eSgodini.
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Khanye says the Buccaneers were exposed in the said areas while the players who were there did not provide good cover, adding that Magesi looked nervous but through hard work were able to capitalise against Pirates.
He further added Bucs did not have a holding midfielder who made the attackers tick and it left players confused especially when defending while also raising questions as well on the centre-backs on the day.
“Two vital positions at Orlando Pirates today played a major role; the one being Ndah’s and the second being Tito Maswanganyi,” said Khanye on iDiski TV.
“Those two players play a vital role at Orlando Pirates. The one is a centre-back and a leader. He is one of the best, special as well in terms of communication, reading the game, he’s good at defending one vs one.
“It doesn’t even matter who he is partnering with even if he plays with [Nkosinathi] Sibisi, you don’t even see Sibisi’s weak points or even [Tapelo] Xoki, anyone can play with Ndah and Ndah covers them.
“Tito is a dictator in the middle, decision making is good and he’s very arrogant on the ball. I think he has stamped authority in that position. I don’t see any player better than him at Orlando Pirates. You see players like Kabelo Dlamini, [Relebohile] Mofokeng and [Tshegofatso] Mabasa function because Tito is everywhere.
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“You will find him wherever the ball is. He doesn’t have speed but he’s a thinker. Like I said, two vital positions on Pirates’ side today played role because Magesi started the game playing a low block, sitting at the back and everyone behind the ball. Some were nervous but they have a hard-working coachable team.
“Tactically they were on point to make things difficult for Orlando Pirates. They didn’t have a plan to go behind Orlando Pirates’ defence but the last 15 minutes they cheated because Pirates’ wingbacks were moving forward without any plan.”
