We all know that football is never been won on
paper (sometimes only) and we also know that we can’t count on yesterday
results to decide tomorrow’s game.
Wits’ weakness
1. Roger de Sa plays with Sipho Mngomezulu in
the right whereby Siboniso Gumede and Derrick Spencer keep the central safe,
however, Sipho like going forward playing closer to Sandile and Asive Langwe,
this create a huge space behind that will need Spencer or Gumede to cover, in
doing so, that makes Wits lose shape in the middle.
2. Lehlogonolo Masalela and Sibusiso Vilakazi
are good midfielders but there are not dominant or forceful.
Wits’ strengths
1. Experience bench: with Stanton Fredericks,
Sifiso Myeni, Fabricio Rodrigues and the young Philips, wits can bring various
players in the pitch to change the game or maintain the game (especially if
they are leading).
2. Ryan Chapman and Myeni effect, these two
players can make any defence in Premier Soccer League think twice and both
players are going into this final on form.
3. Energy Murambadoro has proven that his
decision making ability is good. His timing is almost perfect when his defence
is beaten.
4. Underdog effect! When a team has nothing to
lose, they give it all to have something to keep. Wits are already been tagged
as “losing finalist”
Bucs’ weakness
1. I’m not sure that Bucs’ bench is strong or
can be match changer. That should be a worrying fact for Bucs’ coaching team.
2. Pressure is on the defending champion’s and
that makes it difficult for players to try new things (making mistakes is part
of the game).
Bucs’ strengths
1. All injury players are back in action and
Bucs’ start putting a series of good results together (high spirited change
room).
2. Players are all working hard for each other
with Siyabonga Sangweni and Lucky "Phinda Mzala" Lekgwathi getting to
the opposition box.
3. Benni “factor” McCarthy, Benni doesn’t have a
specific role in the team, now that he is on fire, Wits might assign a player
on him, that can break their shape.
My conclusion
Wits must look out on Lekgwathi offensive
movements and not allowing Bucs to get forward, that will put Patrick Phungwayo
and Lehlohonolo Masalesa under pressure. Forcing Myeni to come deep to collect.
That will make Andile Jali’s job easy. Bucs will need to score first to avoid
the feeling of “deja vus”. Benni will need to play close to Daine Klate (if he
starts). Siyabonga Sangweni and Rooi Mahamutsa shouldn’t undermine the
intelligence of Champman and Myeni. Set pieces will be dangerous for both
teams.
Good luck and let's have a great final. Love you
all.
By Christopher L Bongo
Main picture supplied by Telkom Knockout FB
Main picture supplied by Telkom Knockout FB
