After Orlando Pirates' 4-1 defeat in February, Soccer Laduma analyses mistakes Buccaneers can't afford to repeat against Mamelodi Sundowns in round two.
Playing from the back
Pirates may need to limit playing too many balls from the back, as Sundowns had a number of successful pressing traps the last time out but did not convert most of them.
Especially with a somewhat makeshift centre-back of Nkosinathi Sibisi and young defender Mbezekile Mbokazi, with experienced defenders injured.
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Set-pieces
Sundowns proved particularly strong and were a serious threat on set-pieces at Loftus Versfeld, with only one goal scored not a true reflection of the danger they posed.
Masandawana have good set-piece takers, particularly Teboho Mokoena and the signing of Lucas Suarez makes them more of a threat.
High-line
Pirates played too high a line in a 4-1 defeat, which offered the Brazilians spaces behind the defence on transitions.
The Buccaneers have performed better against Sundowns with a more compact game in their own half, as the Tshwane giants have too much quality to exploit the spaces in dangerous areas.
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Midfield battle
Arguably, the game was won and lost in midfield at Loftus, as Pirates took a gamble by playing with only one holding midfielder Makhehlene Makhaula, with Kabelo Dlamini in front of him, who is not a natural central midfielder and Patrick Maswanganyi playing in between the attack and midfield.
Sundowns midfield on the other hand, had Marcelo Allende, Teboho Mokoena and Jayden Adams, who are all specialists of retaining the ball and breaking attacks.
Take care of Ribeiro
Modern coaches would probably refer to 'man marking' as outdated. However, certain players deserved special attention.
Costa was allowed too much space and time on the ball in the first round.
What makes the Brazilian more dangerous is that he's not only good with his finishing but destroys also with his ability to give assists, given his vision and skill on the ball.
