Mamelodi Sundowns co-coach Rhulani Mokwena has predicted Orlando Pirates' line-up ahead of the Nedbank Cup quarter-final game slated for Loftus Stadium on Thursday.
Mokwena spent time with Pirates a few years ago where he also served as caretaker coach following the departure of coach Milutin Sredojevic.
Like a prodigal son, 'Mourinho' as Mokwena is affectionately known – also not so affectionately known as 'Picasso' – returned to Sundowns and is currently doing well together with Manqoba Mnggithi and Steve Komphela on the club's three-pronged technical team.
The Brazilians coach has now also returned to Chloorkop with more information about Pirates which he could use to the club's advantage when the two teams meet in their Nedbank Cup clash tomorrow.
"I can give you the Pirates line-up‚" said Mokwena ahead of the encounter in Tshwane.
"We know more or less who will play except for the conundrum from the good performance in their 3-0 win over Ahli Benghazi of Libya where Tshegofatso Mabasa and Kabelo Dlamini played. That is possibly their biggest conundrum.
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"But you know there are possibilities of Siphesihle Ndlovu or Ntsikelelo Nyauza playing as right-back. With Nyauza‚ it is more of a back three than it is a back four because with Ndlovu there is a lot more adventure and forays offensively.
"It will possibly be Happy Jele‚ Thulani Hlastshwayo‚ Paseka Mako and if Nyauza is not playing centre-half‚ he is playing right-back.
"In the midfield there is Thabang Monare and Ben Motshwari at central midfield‚ Fortune Makaringe as their number ten and there is also Vincent Pule in that space.
"Then there are remaining positions for the likes of Gabadinho Mhango‚ Deon Hotto‚ Kabelo Dlamini or even Linda Mntambo. So we know more or less the Pirates line-up and fortunately we are also clued up on some of their schemes."
Sundowns are set to be minus defender Lyle Lakay after he picked up his fourth booking in the DStv Premiership match against Chippa United on Monday.