Does Roger de Sa need to change the starting XI in the Telkom Knockout Final?

Many Orlando Pirates supporters/fans are expecting changes in the starting eleven against Platinum Stars in the Telkom Knockout Cup Final, but I don't foresee the beleaguered coach Roger de Sa (RDS) making significant changes.

RDS will never gamble by starting with Ghanaian keeper Fatau Dauda ahead of the underperforming Senzo Meyiwa. Dauda can't start Pirates first game in a final. It would be a suicidal decision to throw Dauda in the deep end as he is not yet mental ready to play in the crunch game. RDS will definitely start with Meyiwa despite his unimpressive form.

Happy Jele will be back in the team alongside Thabo Matlaba but the disastrous combination of Captain Lucky Lekgwathi and Ayanda Ngcaba will be dismantled if Rooi Mahamutsa is fit to play. Lucky and Ayanda lack communication proper communication and defence structural skills when playing with each other. Rooi Mahamutsa will be preferred to partner erratic Ngcaba ahead of Lekgwathi.

In the midfield Andile Jali and Oupa Manyisa are guaranteed starting positions; controlling the engine room but the right and left wing position are wide open for any players. Tlou Segolela and Daine Klate are not at their best form now. Segolela despite poor form can change the game with his blistering pace if improves final decision making.

Segolela is an impact player who can make difference when he is on good form. The coach will prefer Klaite at the right wing and either Khetho Masuku or  Segolela operating on the right wing. The sensational Aubrey Ngoma will start from the bench whilst William Thwala might not make the 18th man cut.

Behind the striker position will be up for grab between Kermit Erasmus and Sifiso Myeni. Erasmus has already excelled in this role creating chances upfront but he spent most of his time in the middle of park than in the kitchen (box).

Erasmus enjoys ball possession than scoring goals whilst Myeni problem is inconsistency form in a game. He always blows hot and cold and cam easily disappear in the game but he is an appropriate player to start the game.

RDS will have a headache regarding his striking force. When given chance, Collins Mbesuma always delivered the positive results whilst the misfiring Lennox Bacela has an ability of scoring avalanches of goals only when in good form. Mbesuma's experience in the cup final will make a difference but the flexible Bacela might start ahead of Mbesuma.

What's changes do you want to see in the Pirates starting lineup in the final?

By Owen Mundalamo

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