As the DSTV Premiership gears up for an electrifying return after the AFCON break, all eyes are on the mouth-watering clash between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns. Ahead of this highly anticipated encounter, former Orlando Pirates hardman, Edelbert Dinha, shared his insights with Box2BoxDiski, offering a glimpse into the dynamics of this titanic showdown.
“It’s gonna be a very interesting game because Sundowns look to continue where they left off before the break. Masandawana have won four of their last five meetings with Pirates.”
Dinha remarks, underlining the recent dominance of the Brazzilians. However, he also acknowledges the hunger within the Orlando Pirates camp, stating, “Orlando Pirates winning the MTN 8 and win over the weekend would help and see them closing the gap.”
One of the key points of discussion revolves around player fatigue and squad depth, particularly in light of the AFCON participation of several key players from both teams. Masandawana had 10 players, whilst the Buccaneers had four in the Bafana squad that was there from day one till the last day, with the exception of the two Namibians that went out early in the tournament. Dinha raises the question: “With their key players that were regulars at AFCON, would they be rested? Sundowns has so much depth in the team and it will show come weekend.”
He emphasizes the need for Pirates to bring their A-game regardless of who takes the field, recognizing the formidable challenge posed by Sundowns depth.
A significant topic of conversation is the transfer of Thembinkosi Lorch to Chloorkop. Dinha speaks highly of Lorch, describing him as a “fantastic player” with a proven track record both at the National Team level and with Orlando Pirates. He believes Lorch’s experience will enable him to seamlessly integrate into the Sundowns setup and he will fit in like a glove.
When asked about Orlando Pirates’ chances of ending Bafana Ba Style’s dominance, Dinha exudes confidence: “Yes, I believe they can win against them.” He attributes this belief to the quality within the Pirates squad, highlighted by their recent MTN 8 triumph, and emphasizes the role of the technical team in shaping their competitive edge.
Dinha also delves into the tactical nuances of both teams, highlighting their contrasting styles of play. He notes that Rhulani Mokwena’ emphasis is on ball possession and methodical buildup, contrasting it with Jose Riviero’s’ aggressive approach, which seeks to press opponents and capitalize on mistakes.
In conclusion, Edelbert Dinha’s insights offer a compelling narrative surrounding the upcoming clash between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns. As fans eagerly await kickoff, his analysis provides valuable perspectives on the strategies, key players, and dynamics that could shape the outcome of this highly anticipated encounter.
