Orlando Pirates: Micho respectfully disagrees with fan picks

Orlando Pirates coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic feels the fans’ selections for the Carling Black Label Cup are not tactically astute.

The coach feels that the fans have overloaded their attack driven by a desire to see the team score goals. The CBL Cup has almost always laid on a tense match. No single CBL cup match has produced more than two goals and Kaizer Chiefs 2-0 win in 2017 has been the only instance of a side scoring twice.

Coaches have often been critical of the CBL Cup format, feeling that they remain under pressure to get a result but are unable to choose their own XI. Micho feels that the fans chose their favourites but don’t have insight into how they are training or where their form and fitness is at.

“You need to have the highest degree of respect. The view of supporters is for them their best personal affinities and sympathies, and we absolutely respect that,” said Micho.

“But in the same moment, the picture that is from our side – one that is inside, that we are with on a daily basis, could possibly be different.”

Orlando Pirates attackers will have to defend

The Pirates coach said that his attack-minded players would have to do their bit to ensure the Buccaneers can control all areas of the park.

“However, with the highest degree of respect, we need to look at our supporters and their choices – and when you look at it, maybe there’s some question marks you can put as to whether a balance has been found between defence and attack.

“In a match of this magnitude, you need to take care of every single segment and moment of the game, but it’s something that will need to push the five attacking players to find that perfect balance with the rest of the team of looking to score more and concede less.”

CBL Cup gives coaches headaches

Selection issues are not isolated to Pirates with Kaizer Chiefs fans failing to pick an out-and-out left back for the match.

Some of the issues around selection stem from the failure to subdivide positions beyond broad categories of defenders, midfielders and forwards. So the four midfielders with the most votes will play regardless of their usual roles and specializations.

The Carling Black Label Cup kicks off at 16:00 on Saturday 27 July at the FNB Stadium. Tickets have sold out.