Linda Mntambo staking his claim for a starting berth at Orlando

For the second match in a row, Orlando Pirates midfielder Linda Mntambo has put in a starring performance for the Buccaneers, but he is not the only fringe player putting up his hand.

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Two goals in two games has seen the return of ‘Figo’ who has been playing the waiting game in Pirates’ starting XI this season.

With domestic starts proving hard to come by, the 31-year-old grabbed his opportunity in Pirates’ two-legged CAF Confederation Cup play-off matches against Botswana’s Jwaneng Galaxy, scoring in both fixtures in the 4-0 aggregate win.

“I’m a person who is always patient, I always wait for my time, and when the time came, I’m happy that I was able to deliver a good performance. To top it up with a goal was just a bonus,” Figo told Pirates’ official website regarding his recent performances.

However, it is not just Figo that has put his hands up for the Buccaneers.

Siyabonga Mpontshane, who has played just two games in the last two years, showed that he is capable of performing when called upon, with the 34-year-old shining between the sticks. 

Mpontshane, as well as the Bucs defensive unit received praise from Mntambo for their clean sheets over the two-legged affair.

“Keeping a clean sheet is important. Defending is not only the defenders, the defensive midfielders and the goalkeeper. It is collectively as a team, you know. We start to defend from the front and getting a clean sheet gives confidence to the defenders and the goalkeeper. They hardly get the recognition, we as attackers always get the recognition for the goals and assists,” Mntambo told Pirates’ media after the game. 

Pirates next turn their focus to the DStv Premiership where they take on SuperSport United on Wednesday.

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Click through the gallery above to see the Pirates fringe players who put in star performances this weekend.