Orlando Pirates fans: Don’t kid yourselves, Mabena isn’t the answer to your goal-scoring woes

Ndumiso Mabena is loved by many Orlando Pirates fans, but his career goal-scoring record leaves a lot to be desired.

LOL: Colombian influencer got a Lionel Messi face tattoo and now regrets it

FRIDAY: Previewing Richards Bay vs Mamelodi Sundowns, PSL match of the season so far

---

Bucs blunt in front of goal

The Buccaneers will be desperate for a positive result against Cape Town City after their lacklustre performance in a 2-0 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns last time out. Jose Riveiro’s side has struggled to be clinical in front of goal, scoring just nine times in 14 league outings. Is Mabena the answer though?

ICYMI: Orlando Pirates confirm new signing is available for Cape Town City clash

---

Orlando Pirates new man doesn’t have a mind-blowing record

35-year-old Ndumiso Mabena netted 28 times in 138 games for Royal AM, and scored eight goals in 72 matches during his first spell with the Buccaneers. That’s an average of one goal every nine games with the Sea Robbers during that first stint. It doesn’t exactly strike fear in opposition defenders.

---

Facilitator or supplier role for Mabena?

Perhaps it’s Jose Riveiro’s hope that Mabena’s experience and technical ability will allow him to become a facilitator and liberate other Pirates attackers around him. Their next opponents, Capw Town City, have alternated neatly between losses and wins in their last five, underlining how inconsistent they’ve been. Pirates have won just one of their last five. This one isn’t going to be pretty, but there are three precious points on offer.

CAPE TOWN: Five easy breezy hiking routes to explore this summer

Cape Town City vs Pirates kicks off at 17:30 on Saturday January 7th in the Mother City.

---

Meanwhile, you can get more insights, analysis and love for the beautiful game from James Freemantle

Follow The South African on Twitter for up-to-the-minute news updates.