In an exclusive sit-down with Box2BoxDiski, Mamelodi Sundowns legend Matthew Booth shared his expert analysis ahead of the highly anticipated clash between Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates. Booth delved into various aspects of the upcoming match, offering keen insights into the teams’ recent signings, squad depth, coaching philosophies, and his score prediction for the encounter.
Booth kicked off the discussion by reflecting on the potential impact of the recent AFCON tournament on both teams. He pointed out that while fatigue might be a factor due to the intense competition, the players’ success and enthusiasm could fuel a positive atmosphere within their squads, providing a boost for the upcoming fixture.
“I think the AFCON, would have affected both teams positively because I feel that although the players will be tired, that will be without question, they will be tired legs, they will be very exuberant as well due to their success. Those players who were in the squad will be riding on that wave of enthusiasm and success and that will have a knock-on effect within their squads. So, I think it will be a positive one, but the coaches will obviously have to determine during this week what sort of conditions the players are in with regards to legs”.
Turning his attention to squad depth, Booth acknowledged the strength of both Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, highlighting Sundowns’ advantage in terms of rotational options. He noted Sundowns’ meticulous approach to player recruitment, emphasizing their thorough research into players’ backgrounds and characters.
“Obviously, Mamelodi Sundowns have depth,In fact, Orlando Pirates have also got a big squad, but Sundowns they’ve got the luxury of being able to rotate a bit more than Pirates.”
Booth provided valuable insights into the recent signings for both teams,l. He highlighted the potential contributions of these new additions and their ability to add depth and versatility to their respective squads.
” Sundowns have obviously gone into the market,they signed four main players. Tashreeq Matthews and Matias Esquivel, I haven’t seen much of them, so I can’t really comment about them. With regards to Zuko Mdunyelwa, he’s a versatile player who can play at right centre-back or right-back and obviously will bring in competition in the defence.When he was at Chippa United, he didn’t get forward very much, but brings very strong defensive capabilities in that regard. Thembinkosi Lorch, you would have thought that they have enough attacking players, but actually at right-wing, where he normally operates, there isn’t many options. Themba Zwane, who can play both left and right, as a tucked-in winger, I should imagine the older he gets, he’s going to drift into the centre of the field and play as an 8 or a 10. So, they are fairly limited in that position, so I think it’s a sound buy and will give something different at right-wing, if that’s where he’s going to operate.“
” Thabiso Lebitso comes in, that’s a very good buy. I’ve always rated him, he can play left and right, out wide, and also as a 10. He is versatile, but mostly plays as a right-wing. And then Tshegofatso Mabaso was a very shrewd call to bring him back, obviously a massive blow for Swallows, because he scored six goals for them. Thalente Mbatha from Supersport United, I haven’t seen much of him, obviously, because at his previous club he was competing with Grant Margeman and Siphesihle Ndlovu and they have done such a sterling job at Supersport in a two-man centre of midfield. So, it’ll be interesting to see if he gets game time at Pirates.”
Addressing the question of whether Orlando Pirates could challenge Sundowns’ commanding lead in the league, Booth suggested that while it might be a daunting task, games like these present an opportunity for teams to chip away at the lead and inject doubt into the opposition.
” I think it’s a bit deflating for the rest of the teams to see such a large lead. I know Sundowns, their target before Christmas is always to try and get out of sight already, so that they can concentrate on other cups, particularly the Champions League, they’ve kind of done that. But, having said that, coming out of the break, if you are going to trip Sundowns up, this is the opportunity to do so. I think if you are able to chip away at that lead, they must start this weekend. These sorts of games, I think, are the games that can do that. And obviously, as a neutral fan, you don’t want Sundowns to run away with the league. So, certainly, the neutrals will be hoping that Pirates can get a draw, or perhaps a surprise win.”
Booth also discussed the contrasting coaching philosophies of Jose Ribeiro and Rhulani Mokwena, noting the potential tactical intrigue that would arise from their differing approaches. He speculated on the tactical setups of both teams and how they might influence the outcome of the match.
” I think leading up to this game, Jose Riveiro will probably have the upper hand. I only say that because he’s been able to work with the majority of his squad. They’ve only had four players away, whereas Sundowns have had eleven. I think most of them started and got regular game time at AFCON. So, it’s a bit simplistic to say that, but if you are going to talk about the upper hand, then Riveiro probably, just from a preparation point of view. But, tactically, like you said, they are very contrasting, which will make for an exciting game. I think Sundowns, because they see a large amount of possession during most of their games, they can put Teboho Mokoena in as the sole holding centre of midfield. But I’m not so sure that Rhulani Mokwena will go that route on this occasion. That might be tempting fate a little bit. So, he might just go for a bit more, like a slightly more nuanced sort of defensive approach, with some support from Mokoena, if he does start, because he’s played a hell of a lot of football. So, let’s wait and see.”
In terms of his score prediction for the game, Booth forecasted a closely contested encounter, citing the familiarity between players from training together during AFCON as a factor that could lead to a tightly contested match.
” My score prediction would be 1-1. I think it’s going to be a very entertaining game, though. The reason why I say a draw is because there’s going to be a certain amount of intimacy between the two teams. So, you’ve got the full powers players who have been training day in and day out with 11 Sundowns players at AFCON. So, you would have had Evidence Makgopa and Zakhele Lepasa up against Grant Kekana and Mothobi Mvala, day in and day out. So, it’s going to be quite an intimate affair, and they’re going to know each other very well because of that fact. I just think that might play an effect and cancel each other out to a certain degree. But yeah, 1-1 is my final score.”
Finally, Booth weighed in on the question of whether Thembinkosi Lorch should start against his former team, emphasizing the potential emotional motivation that could drive Lorch to perform at his best.
That very much depends on how he’s trained during the week leading up, and what his sort of attitude and sort of his emotions. Manqoba Mngqithi and Rhulani Mokwena will obviously gauge that fact during the week. We don’t know what happens during the week leading up to the game. But from an emotional point of view, coaches try and get as much as possible out of players. So, the fact that Lorch has just moved from Pirates and is now coming up against them, if his body physically and his emotions are ready for the game, I would start him. Because you would most likely get the most out of him wanting to prove a point to his ex-team. And you see that trend with coaches where players are not getting game time, they’re kind of on the fringe of the squad or they’re sitting on the bench, and then they come up against their old team and all of a sudden they’re in the starting lineup. And that’s purely to try and get as much emotions out of the player as possible that will contribute to a positive result. So, I feel he might very well start, and if he’s ready, why not?
In conclusion, Mathew Booth’s comprehensive analysis sets the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating showdown between two South African football powerhouses. As fans eagerly anticipate the outcome, Booth’s insights provide valuable perspectives on the key factors that could shape the result of the match.
