THE WINNING STRATEGY Starting point: The 1st leg of the CAF Champion’s league final is playing at Orlando Pirates back yard, meaning at home, therefore winning is WILL BE GREAT and winning without conceding should be the MAIN objective. This is the same sentiment that Pirates players shared after today press conference. But when playing the 1st leg at home, the main objective (wish) should be “not letting a goal in”. A nil-nil draw wouldnt be ideal but won’t be bad either. In so saying, it is important that Orlando Pirates backline (Jele, Ayanda/Lekgwathi, Mahamusa and Matlaba) first job should be of protecting Meyiwa. By now Ahly had studied how Pirates uses their wing-backs with Matlaba and Jele joining the attack at all times, hence Coach Mohamed may ask Abu Trika(22) and Zaher(21) to stay up field with or Abu Trika (22) right and Ahmed(30) left. That would put pressure on Pirates full back to stay deep. But if the shoes to move forward, the center mid or central defender will shift to cover, leaving a gap somewhere. The Center of the matter For the back four not to be under pressure, your defensive mid should be solid and defensively minded. RDS has a decision to make, to start with Jali and Ntshumayelo in the center to battle against to power of Said(19) and Naguib(23) (Naguib does play as a center defender too). These two players a defensive minded and if Jali can force them play deep, it will be a bonus for Pirates. That would give Manyesa the room to play a real number 10 (the conductor). But if I were RDS, I will go with Masalesa in the center next to Jali. That would make Pirates center a discipline structure since Masalesa is known for his cool head and he poses a good physic to challenge the physical presence of Ashour(25) . Mohamed (Ahlys coach) prefers playing a 4-3-2-1 formation when playing away. This system makes like less dangerous offensively but compact in defense. Side affair Against Esperance away in Tunis, Pirates dominates the game by using their wingers. That worked well in the right side where Jele and Tlou were committed to work as a team, moving up and down together. But we shouldnt forget the hard work of Oupa in the center who kept making diagonal runs and taking one or two players with him away from the ball area. Against Ahly, I do assume RDS will deploy the same strategy. playing long balls to his wingers in return hoping to get crosses in the box. This time, the wide player Klate and Tlou/Myeni will face Ahmed(30) at left side and Soliman(11)/Abu Trika(22) on the right. Ahmed is a short a speed player who does at times play as left winger. but using him up field, the message will be to limit Pirates attacks. Pirates fans should wish to see Abu Trika plays right coz he doesnt track back to support the right full back Fathy(24). given his age, the final matches may just be his last time to compete in this level. so he is a bit slow and will not comit in tracking back all the time. I am expecting to see see Ahmed(30) playing with Rabia (3) to protect the other side (left) where Matlaba will operate with Klate . Goal machine. Lennox Bacela has his work cut for him now, the continent defenders now they know of his name. Since Pirates beat Ahly, there is a big name defender who hasnt played much, El Gomaa. Lennox job number one in the CAF Champion’s league isn’t real to score but to help his team to move the ball forward. He gives Pirates a target to aim and if there is a slight a chance to score, you can count on him. In the final, he will be against the defense of Moaway(17) and Fadil(4). These two will be given the job to protect Sherif(1). they know the danger that Lennox represent hence dont expect them moving forward What is my verdict? Advantage Pirates. As I stated above, playing the first leg at home gives you a huge opportunity to win the tie. Keeping a clean sheet is more important in my view that winning the game. Remember, After the return match, if the aggregate score remains equal, the away team will have an extra 30 min to score that mega goal. The fact that Pirates had beaten their opponent before, the fear of playing them had evaporated and the past two Pirates results at home will see their confidence carry them through. RDS and his team had collected enough experience of knowing, you need to be concentrated until the final whistle. So far, Pirates had played 24 games this season using 28 players and only 3 had played every single game, Jele, Mahamutsa and Mewiya, thus we can say, Pirates had the momentum and players know each other moves by now whereas, Ahly had played only 10 competitive matches and the coach used 30 players. the momentum is not in their side and Pirates will exploit that. the major concern for Pirates should be the experience of Ahly players playing in so many finals might give them a slight edge. BONNE CHANCE , GOOD LUCK, SAFARI UZURI Pirates, THE FINAL JOURNEY START HERE!!!!!
Posted on: Fri, 01 Nov 2013 06:42:51 +0000
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