Orlando Pirates legend Benedict Vilakazi, commonly referred to as ‘Tso', has challenged coach Jose Riveiro to try a twin striker against MC Alger in the first leg of the Caf Champions League quarter-final game to be played on Tuesday night.
The Buccaneers will be playing the Algerian outfit at the July 5, 1962, Stadium, hoping for a positive outcome in their bid to win the prestigious continental club competition for the first time since 1995. It is the same case with The People's Club, who were last crowned way back in 1976, meaning all teams will go for a kill.
Vilakazi, however, believes Riveiro can disrupt the home team by changing his style and formation. He argues the Buccaneers can start with both Tshegofatso Mabasa and Evidence Makgopa which will get their opponents off-guard.
The 42-year-old feels the latter can help in tracking back to help the defenders and, at the same time, help the former, who he believes is more effective in the final third.
‘Starting two strikers will disrupt MC Alger' – Vilakazi
“Pirates need to score at least one goal, so for me, they need to start both Mabasa and Makgopa. I mean, why not? Makgopa is helpful in tracking back, and you can also rely on him to defend set plays. Mabasa is a better finisher, and you need that in such games,” he opened up to The Sowetan.
“Again, starting with two strikers would confuse Alger because I am sure their gameplan is centred on Pirates playing with one striker as a point of reference. So, for me, two strikers wouldn’t only make Pirates stronger, but it’d also be disruptive in Alger’s game plan.”
Vilakazi further explained why it will not be good to sit back and defend, “I don’t think it’d be a good idea to sit back and defend deep because that would just invite trouble.
“Pirates must play their normal flowing game without fear. If they sit back, they can even concede penalties; you know, in North Africa the players are manipulative and referees buy into their tricks because of the intimidating atmosphere there, so you don’t need to sit back and have many players in your half because you can end up committing fouls and conceding unnecessary penalties,” Vilakazi concluded.
The game will be played from 21.00 hours SAT.
