As Orlando Pirates prepare to take on their biggest match of the season, former player Dikgang Mabalane has picked three players who could potentially win the CAF Confederation Cup for the Soweto giants.
Pirates are in Nigeria to take on Moroccan outfit RS Berkane in the final, qualifying for this stage of the competition for the first time since they were beaten by Tunisian side Etoile du Sahel in 2015.
That final against Etoile was played over two legs, but this time around they will only have one shot at getting their hands on the trophy. To do that, they are going to need some match-winners, defensively or offensively. Mabalane picks three players he feels can be match-winners for the Buccaneers tonight.
Bandile Shandu
"Shandu can give Pirates something in attack. He has been one of the players who have been offensive and has contributed in terms of causing danger. Now and then he scores a goal and he provides and he puts the opposition under pressure."
Deon Hotto
"For me, Hotto has been one of the best players for Pirates. He is a player who has been consistent, even though there are times when you feel he could do just a little bit better. He can give them something in attack. He's got pace and that could cause danger for the opposition. He is a player who can provide assists. You need an element of surprise when you play in a competition like this and I think Hotto can give Pirates that. Not many defenders can match Hotto's pace."
Olisa Ndah
"We have not seen Pirates sign a defender like Ndah in a long time. He has been consistent whenever he has played. He is comfortable on the ball and not many can do that. He reads the game well and he is not the type of defender who likes to tackle unnecessarily. A good defender is not the one who is tackling all over the place. Sometimes you just need to win the ball cleanly and pass. He begins those attacks for Pirates. He brings something to the game for Pirates. You need a player who does not panic at this stage of the competition. Pirates have that type of player in him."
