Orlando Pirates legend Bruce Ramokadi has sent an advice to club’s head coach Jose Riveiro on who to start between Evidence Makgopa and Tshegofatso Mabasa during the MTN8 final.
The Buccaneers are set to face Stellenbosch FC in a highly anticipated match scheduled to take place at the Moses Mabhida Stadium at 6 pm.
Riveiro is facing challenges in nearly every position due to the high quality at his disposal.
In the forward position, he has primarily utilised Tshegofatso Mabasa, while Evidence Makgopa typically enters the game during the second half.
Ramokadi has recommended that Riveiro continue with Mabasa, suggesting that Makgopa may be experiencing fitness issues due to limited playing time this season.
LEGEND ON WHICH PIRATES STRIKER MUST START IN MTN8 FINAL
“In this situation, I will go with match fitness, and I doubt if Makgopa has regained his full fitness since he is still [coming] from an injury,” said Ramokadi as per KickOff.
“So, Riveiro should continue with the team he's been starting with so far. Mabasa has better match fitness compared to Makgopa. Mabasa is consistent.
“Yes, Makgopa has scored three goals since he came back from injury, but scoring goals doesn't mean you have match fitness.
“The reason he's been introduced gradually since he returned from injury is because of the match fitness.
“No one is better than the other. They both play the same, and they are target men,” added.
“Unfortunately, in this modern football, strikers are not judged by goals. As a striker today, you don't have to score all the time.
“Sometimes you just need to set up scoring chances for your teammates, and both Makgopa and Mabasa are good in that.
“So, it depends on the day who is hungrier than the other. Pirates will always have more firepower than Stellenbosch FC, but it will always depend on if their minds will want it more.”
