Soweto derby: Mpontshane or Sandilands? Zinnabuer talks Pirates options

Orlando Pirates coach Josef Zinnbauer has hinted who will start between the sticks in the 100th Soweto derby match against Kaizer Chiefs on Sunday.

Kick-off at the FNB Stadium is at 15h00.

Zinnbauer confirmed that Richard Ofori will miss the encounter as he’s currently nursing injury, but admits he trusts the two goalkeepers he has it his disposal.

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Siyabonga Mpontshane and Wayne Sandilands are available for selection but the fact that the former started against Enyimba could be an indication that he will keep his place against Chiefs.

Zinnbauer said he gave Mpontshane a run simply because he didn’t get game time last season as opposed to Sandilands who was the club’s No.1.

The hint, though, was Zinnbauer’s admission that Mpontshane needs game time this season, adding that Sandilands understands why he has not been playing and doesn’t have a problem.

“We have three top keepers, we trust all of them,” Zinnbauer told the media.

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“This was the reason we played Mpontshane yesterday (Wednesday against Enyimba), he didn’t have much game time last season,” he said.  

“Wayne Sandilands had much game time (last season). So, Mpontshane needs some game time.

“Now we are not 100 percent sure when Ofori will be back. We have to see the next step. We don’t have three keepers now, we have two,” he continued.

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He added: “We are happy about this and we’ve seen Mpontshane giving some good performance. I know what I have on Wayne, he is one of the best keepers in this league, and I know what he can do.”

“He is a top guy and understands the situation (of not playing). We improve and plan together in the goalkeeping department,” concluded Zinnbauer.