Zinnbauer backs Mhango for ‘Downs clash

Gabadinho Mhango of Orlando Pirates challenges Motjeka Madisha of Mamelodi Sundowns

Friday Jan 01, 2021. 17:00

Orlando Pirates coach Josef Zinnbauer has backed Malawian striker Frank Gabadinho Mhango to have an impact in their crunch DStv Premiership clash with Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday afternoon.

The Brazilians and the Buccaneers – both unbeaten thus far in the 2020-21 league campaign – will meet at Loftus Versfeld in the first match of the New Year, and one which could have long-term ramifications in the title race.

Pirates’ Mhango – the league’s leading goal scorer last season – has seen little playing time due to injury thus far in the campaign, but Zinnbauer has hinted that he could have a major role to play against ‘Downs.

“Gaba [Mhango] is close to 100 percent and now needs the time and games. We have seven games in January and we need all the players,” said Zinnbauer as per Sowetan Live.

“Gaba is not the only player important to us but all the players are. We have so many attacking players.

“We have [Terrence] Dzvukamanja who can also play as a striker. We have a good squad but the point is we need a good player for each and every position.”

Zinnbauer has highlighted the clash against Sundowns as a “special one” and acknowledges that the reigning league champions will present a big challenge for his team.

“We know Sundowns possibly have some of the best players in their squad,” Zinnbauer continued.

“They have a big‚ big squad and we know it, and we also have a good squad and it’s a special game for us.

“Sundowns are on top and we are behind and‚ ja‚ we have a chance to come closer to Sundowns and come closer to the top of the table.

“This is important to us, but we must have a good game first and a good performance. If we have a good performance we’ll have possibilities of winning the game.”