Cape Town - Former Orlando Pirates striker Andries Sebola believes captain Oupa Manyisa will struggle to break back into the first team when he returns from injury.
The in-form Mpho Makola has excelled in Manyisa's absence, making over 25 appearances in all competitions for Pirates so far this season. His impressive displays have also earned him a place in the Bafana Bafana squad.
"With what Makola is doing at the moment, it will take something special to convince Eric Tinkler to drop Makola for Manyisa when he is fully fit," Sebola told Goal website.
"Makola is enjoying the form of his life and playing his best football in the colours of Pirates.
"So it does not matter whether Manyisa is the captain of the team or not but he will have to work harder to get back into the team."
Sebola is also confident that the Sea Robbers will finish in the top four, looking at the way the team is performing at the moment, before insisting that the club's top player award will go to either Makola or Thabo Matlaba.
Pirates return to the playing fold on Saturday, April 16 against Golden Arrows at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Kick-off is at 15:00.