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Micho describes tactical plan behind Gabuza selection

Cape Town - Orlando Pirates coach Milutin Sredojevic believes striker Thamsanqa Gabuza can be used to effectively hold up the ball for the club.

Gabuza made a rare start on Saturday in a top of the table clash against Bidvest Wits.

However, he struggled to make an impact and was replaced in the 70th minute by Thabo Qalinge.

The 31-year-old is often a target of Bucs' boo-boys as seemingly his lack of goals is not appealing to supporters.

In 17 appearances in all competitions in 2018/19, he has managed just one strike for the Sea Robbers.

Speaking of Gabuza's inclusion in the 1-0 victory over the Clever Boys courtesy of Keegan Ritchie's late own goal, 'Micho' said: "We respect our supporters, they are there to support, we are there to coach, and it was presented in a tactical football chess, I would want to call it.

"It was something needed in order to get full focus of opponent's defence to put away, because they had put so much on Gabuza.

"From that moment when Section [Qalinge] came in, we wanted to run beyond [their defence] and we changed in that exact moment, because when you have Gabuza on the field it is a magnetic invitation to send the ball to his body.

"But you are not sure if you'll hold that ball, and whatever, later on, with Section we needed to put the ball on the ground, and it was exactly how we wanted."

Pirates currently lead the Absa Premiership standings on goal-difference ahead of Mamelodi Sundowns on 44 points.

Pirates are next in action in the league against Black Leopards at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday.

Kick-off is at 19:30.

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