Kjell Jonevret got his first ABSA Premiership win Tuesday night when Orlando Pirates defeated Maritzburg United at the Orlando Stadium. The goals came from Ayanda Gcaba and Dove Wome and the Buccaneers registered their first clean sheet since the goalless draw against Platinum Stars at the beginning of February.
''Shell'', as the Swedish-born mentor known in local football, once stressed out about conceding ''stupid'' goals, but with his new 5-4-1 formation, Bucs’ backline look solid, but maybe it’s still too early to say that as they only kept one clean sheet so far.
Mr. Jonevret's side is no longer dependent on Tendai Ndoro for goals as we saw in their last two games where they scored six goals with different goalscorers including Oupa Manyisa, Mpho Makola, Thembinkosi Lorch, Gcaba and Wome. For the first half of the season, Pirates were relying on Ndoro for goals and, if Ndoro is not on the scoresheet, they failed to find the back of the net, while, at the same time, couldn't keep a clean sheet. There is some improvement in terms of performance and the two wins will help players gain confidence.
Manyisa and Makola have picked up some form and that is good for the team because senior players are needed to step up and rescue the team and at least take it to the top eight.
Can 'Shell’s 5-4-1' power Bucs to a top eight finish? Have Oupa Manyisa and Thandani Ntshumayelo picked up their form at the right time?
*This article was written by a Soccer Laduma reader and reflects their opinion, not that of Soccer Laduma.
