Orlando Pirates caretaker coach Eric Tinkler says goalkeeper Brighton Mhlongo has done enough to keep the number one jersey as Bucs prepare to take on AmaZulu in the Absa Premiership at Moses Mabhida Stadium tonight (7.30pm).
New signing Siyabonga Mpontshane may have to wait a little longer to make his Bucs debut, but Tinkler said the arrival of the former Platinum Stars man will keep Mhlongo on his toes.
"It's good to have these types of headaches as a coach. We knew it was always going to be difficult for Brighton to come in, but he has done well. I think he has done enough. He had a good game against Celtic and saved us many times. I have a difficult task choosing the first eleven. We will see how it goes," Tinkler said.
Tinkler was pretty calm yesterday for someone who has a suspension and injury crisis in defence ahead of tonight's clash.
Bucs are without suspended defenders Rooi Mahamutsa and Tshepo Gumede, while versatile veteran Lucky Lekgwathi and left back Patrick Phungwayo have not fully recovered from their injuries.
Left-footed defender Ayanda Gcaba looks set to play alongside Siyabonga Sangweni, the 33-year-old who has been inconsistent this season.
"AmaZulu will be an extremely difficult game. They will be highly motivated. But it's important we start off well and build on that," said Tinkler.
Usuthu coach Steve Barker, meanwhile, is under pressure to deliver after bolstering the squad in January. Usuthu signed Mbulelo Mabizela, Roscoe Pietersen, Energy Murambadoro, Asive Langwe and Ntuli.
Fixtures (all 7.30pm)
Cape Town: Ajax v Polokwane City, Lucas Moripe: SuperSport v FS Stars, Moses Mabhida: AmaZulu v Pirates, Royal Bafokeng: Platinum Stars v Aces, Free State Stadium: Celtic v Chiefs
Mhlongo to be retained as Pirates' number one
Orlando Pirates caretaker coach Eric Tinkler says goalkeeper Brighton Mhlongo has done enough to keep the number one jersey as Bucs prepare to take on AmaZulu in the Absa Premiership at Moses Mabhida Stadium tonight (7.30pm).
New signing Siyabonga Mpontshane may have to wait a little longer to make his Bucs debut, but Tinkler said the arrival of the former Platinum Stars man will keep Mhlongo on his toes.
"It's good to have these types of headaches as a coach. We knew it was always going to be difficult for Brighton to come in, but he has done well. I think he has done enough. He had a good game against Celtic and saved us many times. I have a difficult task choosing the first eleven. We will see how it goes," Tinkler said.
Tinkler was pretty calm yesterday for someone who has a suspension and injury crisis in defence ahead of tonight's clash.
Bucs are without suspended defenders Rooi Mahamutsa and Tshepo Gumede, while versatile veteran Lucky Lekgwathi and left back Patrick Phungwayo have not fully recovered from their injuries.
Left-footed defender Ayanda Gcaba looks set to play alongside Siyabonga Sangweni, the 33-year-old who has been inconsistent this season.
"AmaZulu will be an extremely difficult game. They will be highly motivated. But it's important we start off well and build on that," said Tinkler.
Usuthu coach Steve Barker, meanwhile, is under pressure to deliver after bolstering the squad in January. Usuthu signed Mbulelo Mabizela, Roscoe Pietersen, Energy Murambadoro, Asive Langwe and Ntuli.
Fixtures (all 7.30pm)
Cape Town: Ajax v Polokwane City, Lucas Moripe: SuperSport v FS Stars, Moses Mabhida: AmaZulu v Pirates, Royal Bafokeng: Platinum Stars v Aces, Free State Stadium: Celtic v Chiefs