Mamelodi Sundowns dealt a massive blow to Orlando Pirates’ Betway Premiership title hopes with a dominant 4-1 victory.
Mamelodi Sundowns 4-1 Orlando Pirates
A header from Grant Kekana, followed by two goals from Lucas Ribeiro and a strike from Teboho Mokoena, saw Sundowns extend their lead at the top of the league to nine points. While Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso made several changes to his squad, Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro stuck with the same starting lineup from their previous match, with the exception of the suspended Thalente Mbatha.
“Coach Riveiro has his preferred 11 or about 12-13 players he trusts,” said Mashego to IDiski Times.
“He’s not a big fan of rotation, and when he does make changes, he feels that the team won’t be the same. Honestly, that was the best available starting 11 for Orlando Pirates on the day. With Mbatha suspended, Olisa Ndah and Thabiso Sesane injured, there weren’t many options for change.”
“I don’t think they could have made changes from the bench or brought in players who weren’t in the squad,” Mashego concluded. “That was the best Orlando Pirates lineup they could field at the time.”
Looking ahead, Orlando Pirates will face Chippa United in a Nedbank Cup last-16 clash at Orlando Stadium on Saturday, February 15.
