Soweto derby: No 1 goalkeeper out, Orlando Pirates may turn to unwanted man

Siyabonga Mpontshane hasn’t played in a Soweto derby for nearly three years but he may be called upon to do duty in goal for Orlando Pirates in Sunday’s latest installment at the FNB Stadium.

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Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00.

The now 34-year-old has only made four appearances for the Buccaneers in the past two seasons, but with first-choice ‘keeper Richard Ofori injured, Mpontshane may well be called upon by coach Josef Zinnbauer.

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Ofori picked up a groin injury in Orlando Pirates’ CAF Champions League clash against Ghanaian side ES Setif which ruled him out of the following match against Enyimba of Nigeria.

Siyabonga Mpontshane filled in for his team-mate in the latter match which Orlando Pirates won 2-1 at the death.

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“We have three top ‘keepers, we trust all of them; this was the reason Pontshi has not (had so much) game-time and this is the reason we prepare both ‘keepers. Wayne (Sandilands) has in the last season and in the last weeks, had more time than Pontshi, and now Pontshi needs the time,” Zinnbauer said, suggesting Mpontshane was his man for the clash against Kaizer Chiefs.

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“We don’t have 100% information on when Ofori is back. Now we don’t have three keepers, we have two, but the youngster is behind, but he is not enough (at) the moment. He needs a little bit more time, but its normal. These three keepers have the same level and we are happy about this and we saw Pontshi make a good performance,” Zinnbauer added.

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If Siyabonga Mpontshane does play against Kaizer Chiefs on Sunday, it will be his 15th career match against the Glamour Boys.

Making him an attractive selection proposition is that he boasts an impressive record against Amakhosi with eight wins, while suffering two defeats – and four draws.

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