Ahead of the meeting between Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates today, Soccer Laduma looks at players who look set to make their first appearance in a Nedbank Cup final.
The two clubs are set to clash at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday afternoon and there are a few players within the camps that will be excited, and probably a little nervous, about making their first ever Nedbank Cup final appearances. Soccer Laduma looks at players who could get a chance to make a first-ever appearance in the final of this competition.
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SUNDOWNS
Tashreeq Matthews: He joined the Tshwane giants in January and has forced his way into the starting line-up. He looks set to feature against the Buccaneers.
Marcelo Allende: The Chilean midfielder is in his second season with the Tshwane giants and will get an opportunity to feature in the Nedbank Cup final for the first time. He is expected to start for the Brazilians.
Siyabonga Mabena: The teenager has shown he is not afraid of the big stage and Rulani Mokwena would not hesistate to throw him in if needed. Mabena is a confident youngster who could make a difference.
Matias Esquivel: The South American attacker joined in January and has shown glimpses of brilliance when given an opportunity. He could make a first Nedbank Cup final appearance too.
PIRATES
Patrick Maswanganyi: The former SuperSport United midfielder has enjoyed a great first season with the Buccaneers and is set to make a first appearance in the Nedbank Cup final.
Olisa Ndah: The tall Nigerian defender did not feature in the Nedbank Cup final due to injury last season and now has an opportunity to feature for the first time in this fixture. Currently in good defensive form, the player is likely to start against Sundowns and make his debut in this fixture.
Thabiso Sesane: The 24-year-old has been getting more opportunities in the team in the second half of the season and there is a chance that he could feature in Mbombela.
Thalente Mbatha: Currently on loan from SuperSport United, Mbatha is likely to start the match, having been one of the consistent performers for the club in the second half of the season. It's an opportunity to end the season in style and clinch a permanent deal with the Buccaneers, who are believed to have already been convinced to keep him beyond the expiration of the loan deal.
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Evidence Makgopa: Like Ndah, Makgopa did not get to feature in last year's final, but could get an opportunity this season, probably as a substitute. Tshegofatso Mabasa is expected to start upfront, with Makgopa likely to come on later in the game.
Relebohile Mofokeng: The youngster was an unused substitute in the final last season, but has a much greater chance to start this weekend. He has been one of the side's most consistent players.
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