Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Eugene Zwane is tipping midfielders Patrick Maswanganyi, Thalente Mbatha as well as winger Mohau Nkota to shine against Al Ahly.
Pirates have a tough task against record 12-time winners and defending champions Al Ahly in their second group game of the CAF Champions League on Saturday December 7.
The Buccaneers started their group stage campaign with a 2-1 win away to Algeria’s CR Belouizdad while Al Ahly beat Stade d’Abidjan from Ivory Coast 4-2, giving both sides confidence heading into the match at the Orlando Stadium.
However, Al Ahly are considered favourites due to their experience and pedigree as well as the fact that they have won the last two titles, with Pirates returning to this stage for the first time in five years, but Zwane feels the three players will make a difference.
Zwane impressed by Orlando Pirates trio
“The main one there is the young Mohau Nkota,” Zwane told FARPost. “He’s been a revelation to everybody.”
“No one expected him to come in and bang two goals in his first Champions League match. He’s already showing that he’s capable, and Pirates can count on him even though he’s still inexperienced,” he went on.
“Then there is [Patrick] ‘Tito’ Maswanganyi, who is picking up a lot of experience, and he’s becoming a lot more bolder, a lot more courageous. We have seen him at Bafana Bafana and we have seen him in the previous Champions League match.
Can the three inspire the Bucs past Al Ahly?
“Thalente Mbatha he’s been playing simple but solid in midfield for Pirates. He’s been keeping things steady, protecting the defence and linking up with the forwards,” he further said.
The three players have become key pillars for Jose Riveiro’s side this season with Nkota promoted to the senior team in September, going on to score four goals in eight matches, including two in the win over CR Belouizdad.
Mbatha, meanwhile, has been ever-present in midfield and has also contributed one goal, same as Maswanganyi, both having made 17 appearances across all competitions.
