Telkom Knockout Final: Orlando Pirates vs. Platinum Stars
Date Time: 7 December 2013, 20:15
Venue: Mbombela Stadium
Orlando Pirates lost 3-1 to Platinum Stars in the MTN8 final and this time around Rodger De Sa's charges will go to Mbombela seeking a win at all costs, having missed the MTN8 and the CAF Champions league. However, the Phokeng-based side will aim for their second trophy this season as they managed to beat Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns to reach the final. This game has all the ingredients of a cup final.
ORLANDO PIRATES:
Averages per game for the season:
Shots on goal: 17.5
Entries into final third: 67.43
Successful passes: 326.4
Possession: 52.9%
Successful tackles: 27.8
Last three results:
Orlando Pirates 2-3 Bloemfontein Celtic (Bacela 56', Jali 90 +2')
Maritzburg United 0-1 Orlando Pirates (Mbesuma 31')
SuperSport United 1-2 Orlando Pirates AET (Manyisa 46', Jali 111')
Key performers:
Defender: Thabo Matlaba, 3.88 tackles per game
Midfielder: Andile Jali, 66.2 passes per game
Striker: Lennox Bacela, 2.9 shots per game
Top goal scorer:
Lennox Bacela (11)
Top assists:
Daine Klate (5)
PLATINUM STARS
Averages per game for the season:
Shots on goal: 13.5
Entries into final third: 68.8
Successful passes: 309.54
Possession: 52.7%
Successful tackles: 24.1
Last three results:
Golden Arrows 1-2 Platinum Stars (Mbatha 48', Ng'ambi 56')
AmaZulu 2-0 Platinum Stars
Kaizer Chiefs 0-1 Platinum Stars (Semenya 52')
Key performers:
Defender: Vuyo Mere 3.1 tackles per game
Midfielder: Robert Ng`ambi 41 passes per game
Forward/Striker: Mogakolodi Ngele 2.9 shots per game
Top goal scorer:
Robert Ng'ambi (7)
Top assists:
Vuyo Mere (5)
Key Stats:
Stats do not add or count in such games, let alone the fact that it's a cup final but because these teams might play an open game from the first whistle. Lennox Bacela is the Buccaneers top scorer with 11 while RobertNg'ambi has banged five for the Dikwena, both sides will expect their scorers to come to the party tomorrow night. There's a slight difference when judging the entries into the final third, Stars have (68.8) and the Pirates on (67.43).
