Pirates vs Sundowns: Tactical preview of crucial PSL clash

How the two sides implement their respective tactical plans will go a long way to deciding their match on Wednesday 15 January in this season’s Premier Soccer League title race.

Loss of Zwane a major blow to Downs

Due to suspension, Mamelodi Sundowns will be without Themba Zwane for this game. That is a major blow as is arguably their most dangerous player between the lines, is a very diligent worker defensively in wide areas and he has an excellent understanding with Gaston Sirino.

With major doubt over Sphelele Mkhulise as well, plus injuries to Jose Ali Meza, Mauricio Affonso and Phakamani Mahlambi, Downs’ options are significantly limited.

If Mkhulise is fit, then he would replace Zwane on the left with Thapelo Morena on the right, and Sibusiso Vilakazi partnering Gaston Sirino in attack.

However, if Mkhulise is not fit, then Lebohang Maboe may need to play on the left flank or Pitso Mosimane could use Lyle Lakay further forward in a more defensive setup.

Either way, the options on the bench to change the game are limited.

Bucs to add midfielder?

With Andile Jali and Hlompho Kekana in superb form in central midfield for Sundowns, Orlando Pirates may be tempted to go with the usual duo of Fortune Makaringe and Ben Motshwari, as well as a third midfielder in the shape of Linda Mntambo.

That selection would give incredible energy to Josef Zinnbauer’s side in midfield to match Sundowns and give the option to have one of the trio keep a close eye on Kekana.

In one of the meetings between the sides last season, Ben Motshwari spent much of the game looking to mark Kekana and stop him from getting time and space to hit switches of play or balls over the top for runners. That plan worked excellently on the day.

First goal will be key

This feels like a game where the first goal should be absolutely key.

If Pirates get the opener, then Sundowns will need to play a more open game, thereby giving greater space for Thembinkosi Lorch and Gabadinho Mhango to exploit on the break.

With their likely lack of impact options off the bench, conceding the first goal would not be ideal for Sundowns.

Should they score first though, expect Mosimane’s side to treat this like an away Caf Champions League match and sit back, using Morena’s pace to lead counters.

They could even push him into a striker role to look to trouble the ageing Happy Jele in the space behind Innocent Maela.

Will Pirates overload Langerman?

This season, Bucs have often looked to play in a lopsided formation, looking to target one of the opposition’s fullbacks. Against Kaizer Chiefs, they used Paseka Mako, Mhango and Lorch all towards that side and gave Reeve Frosler a torrid afternoon.

Against Sundowns — with Anele Ngcongca more conservative and defensive — they could look to target Tebogo Langerman instead.

Vincent Pule, Lorch and Mhango could all focus on staying high and wide in the space behind Langerman’s usual overlapping runs from fullback and try to exploit that space. This was done to expert effect by Aubrey Modiba when SuperSport United beats Sundowns 2-0 last April.

Predicted lineup:

Orlando Pirates (4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3): Sandilands; Mabaso, Nyauza, Jele, Maela; Motshwari, Makaringe; Lorch, Mntambo, Pule; Mhango.

Mamelodi Sundowns (Narrow 4-4-2 or 4-2-2-2): Onyango; Ngcongca, Madisha, Lebusa, Langerman; Morena, Jali, Kekana, Mkhulise; Vilakazi, Sirino.