THE suspension of red-hot Gabadinho Mhango is certainly a blow for Orlando Pirates and poses a serious challenge upfront where the pocket-sized Malawian specialises, in attack.
But is Josef Zinnbauer facing a selection crisis?
Certainly not.
The Bucs coach is not light on numbers in attack, having as many as four options upfront for the Nedbank Cup opener against Bidvest Wits at Orlando Stadium on Sunday (3pm).
Yes, the German would have wanted to go to such a big game with the full complement of squad, particularly his Malawian assassin. But he will have the likes of Tshegofatso Mabasa, Augustine Mulenga and Justin Shonga, and even Luvuyo Memela to call on.
“Gaba is a big player for us at the moment. But we have other good players. And now it’s a chance for them to come forth,” said Zinnbauer.
“We have been training well and we have a decision to make on who to put on the field.”
Gabadinho has been in sizzling form, banging in 15 in 19 matches in all competitions. His absence will certainly be felt, but it remains to be seen how Zinnbauer will alter his line-up to maintain the winning streak.
Zinnbauer has had a fine run since he took over from Rhulani Mokwena, guiding Bucs to six wins out in seven matches.
They have won five on the trot, and are second on the log. But Zinnbauer faces a slightly different challenge, going into a tournament which Pirates last won nearly six years ago.
In fact, that was the last trophy delivered for the success-starved Bucs fans.
The German has to succeed where as many as six men have failed.
“We are under no pressure,” Zinnbauer said.
“We have a chance to win and go to the next round. Yes, Wits are a good team. They have a top coach, who has won the league four times. It’s not going to be easy playing Wits. It’s a big game. But we can do this.”
