Orlando Pirates: Four players who could step up in Mhango’s absence

PSL leading goal-scorer Gabadinho Mhango will miss the Nedbank Cup clash against his former side Bidvest Wits, which presents a window of opportunity for one of the strikers in Orlando Pirates roster.

The Malawian international became the latest in a string of Buccaneers to earn a suspension this season after picking up a fourth yellow card for the season against Chippa United on Saturday.

Gabadinho Mhango of Orlando Pirates gets a card during the Absa Premiership 2019/2020 football match between Chippa United and Orlando Pirates at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, in Port Elizabeth on 1 February 2020. Photo: ©Deryck Foster/BackpagePix

This means that one of the players who have found themselves slip down the pecking order since his turn of form could be called upon by coach Josef Zinnbauer.

Augustine Mulenga 

Augustine Mulenga and Luvuyo Memela of Orlando Pirates celebrating during the Absa Premiership 2018/19 game between Bidvest Wits and Orlando Pirates at Bidvest Stadium in Polokwane the on 06 April 2019 ©BackpagePix

Augustine Mulenga is one of the proven goal-scorers in the squad, but has not enjoyed a prolific run of games under Zinnbauer.

The Zambian international has mostly operated on the wings, providing three assists to go with his solitary goal, and could see the next match as a chance to prove his value to the German by adding on to his tally.

Tshegofatso Mabasa 

Tshegofatso Mabasa of Orlando Pirates celebrates his second goal during the Absa Premiership 2019/20 football match between Orlando Pirates and Chippa United at Orlando Stadium, Johannesburg on 14 September 2019 ©Gavin Barker/BackpagePix

Mabasa enjoyed a brief period in the sun during the first half of the campaign, and had some good returns as he notched up five goals in as many starts, before bagging his sixth coming in as a sub.

With the Mhango train gathering a full head of steam, starts have dried up for the young striker, but now he stands a good chance of being called upon when the Buccaneers next take to the field.

Justin Shonga

Justin Shonga of Orlando Pirates during the CAF Champions League match between Orlando Pirates and Esperance 02 February 2019 at Orlando Stadium Pic Sydney Mahlangu/ BackpagePix

The Zambian international was one of the more prolific goal scorers for Orlando Pirates in his first two seasons at the club but, after a slow start to the ongoing campaign, he has fallen out of favour.

In ten matches across competitions, Shonga is yet to find the net this season and will be desperate to get off the mark, should he get a run on Saturday.

Zakhele Lepasa

Zakhele Lepasa of Orlando Pirates during the Absa Premiership 2019/20 football match between Orlando Pirates and Chippa United at Orlando Stadium, Johannesburg on 14 September 2019 ©Gavin Barker/BackpagePix

The SA Under-23 international has found opportunities hard to come by since his return from a loan spell at reigning Nedbank Cup champions TS Galaxy.

Having helped the first-division outfit to the title with four goals, including a memorable one in the final, Lepasa could be eyeing a run in the tournament once more.