Ghana international Edwin Gyimah has claimed permanent position in Orlando Pirates back four ahead of Saturday’s Nedbank Cup first round Soweto derby match against Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium.
Injuries, suspensions and head coach Eric Tinkler’s indecision saw the Buccaneers take the field for a period with a different defensive combination in each game.
In his last three matches Tinkler has fielded the settled combination of Patrick Phungwayo at left back, Thabo Matlaba on the right, and Ayanda Gcaba and Edwin Gyimah as the central pairing.
“With that back four we’ve managed to get good results. Thabo Matlaba, I think everyone recognises, is a versatile player. He can play with both feet,” Tinkler said at Thursday’s pre-derby press conference in Parktown, Johannesburg.
“The added value of having both Patrick and Thabo is that they are both very offensive wing-backs.
“We’re trying to create consistency. And obviously with the results coming there is no need for me to tamper with the back four.
“This is the fifth time we’re playing Chiefs this season -we know their strengths and weaknesses.
“And that might mean us having to tamper with the starting XI, making a change here and there.”
An improvement at both ends of the field has seen Bucs win two matches in a row to rise to seventh place in the Premiership.
“I have three strikers holding up their hand,” Tinkler said. “Luck hasn’t been on [Thamsanqa] Gabuza’s side and he’s missed quite a few chances that have led to us not winning games. That has led to him losing confidence.”
