But Vilakazi feels the Malawian, who top-scored in the Premier Soccer League last season, can drive the Soweto giants forward, especially since other strikers Zakhele Lepasa and Tshegofatso Mabasa are injured.
“Let’s not doubt Mhango’s work rate and what he can do. He showed us last season and is still showing us now,” Vilakazi told iDiski TV.
“Mhango is a player who can come up with a plan. If you have absolutely nothing, he is the kind of guy who can take out his wallet and say ‘here is R20, let’s buy bread and eat in the house.’
Squads & Team News
Forwards Zakhele Lepasa and Tshegofatso Mabasa are edging closer to full fitness but are likely not to be available for selection on Saturday to afford coach Josef Zinnbauer more selection options upfront.
Defender Abel Mabaso is still out with a long-term injury.
After Zinnbauer was heavily criticised for benching centre-back Thulani Hlatshwayo in their defeat at Golden Arrows on Tuesday, the Bafana Bafana captain should return against Uthongathi.
No injury updates from Uthongathi as they prepare to tackle a giant in South African football.
But coach Pitso Dladla would need the likes of Zimbabwean forward Clive Augusto and midfielder Issa Sarr who both have PSL experience.
While Orlando Pirates managed to avoid crashing out of the Nedbank Cup in the last 32 for the third season running, their 1-0 victory over Uthongathi FC at the Orlando Stadium was not convincing.
Monare shouldn t start for Orlando pirates he makes that midfield ineffective and Hotto is a 8 not a winger but Zinnbauer isn t a good coach so I m not surprised he can t see this #Orlandopirates#NBKCUP#Nedbankcup#SsDiski#Babizebonke Mntungwa,Bhungela (@KefuweMahlangu2) February 6, 2021
They did put in a good shift. Pirates will go to bed knowing they played a competitive game. #NedbankCup Renda Mudzimu (@rendaniratshi) February 6, 2021
This Pirates is going to get 6 - 0 in the not so distant future; mark my tweet, hehehehe..#NedbankCup2021#NedbankCup#OnceAlways#DStvPrempic.twitter.com/M2Z4bbHasL #RedefiningSuccess (@mduduzzee dube) February 6, 2021
Fair play to Uthongathi, they gave a very good account of themselves against a top flight club today.