Despite Orlando Pirates' poor run with three consecutive losses, the Soweto giants have booked a place in a third final in just over a year.
The Buccaneers lost the Stellenbosch FC in the MTN8 semi-finals, could not get past Mamelodi Sundowns in the Premiership and were unsuccessful in overcoming Jwaneng Galaxy in a CAF Champions league clash.
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Speaking to the Siya crew, former Bucs midfielder Joseph 'Shakira' Kamwendo believes that the main problem is the selection of the squad for each and every game.
The Bucs lost the MTN8 semi-final second leg clash, but progressed to the final on the away goals rule, and the Malawian-born midfielder is of the opinion that Pirates have one of the best squads at their disposal.
"You know the main thing is that the squad is different from last season. The team has signed a number of good players this season and I think the problem is with the backroom staff, including the technical team. They have superstar players who could play in any team in the PSL and that's where the selection problem starts.
"The coach has too many good players at his disposal and that gives him the selection headache, hence the poor results in the past three games. What they should have done is continue where they left off last season and only make changes due to injuries or suspensions. They should find the right combination for each and every game they play then they will start winning again," Kamwendo told Soccer Laduma.
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However, Kamwendo, who is now a coach for Malawian Super League side Bangwe United, added that he believes that Bucs can defend their MTN8 trophy when the club takes on Sundowns on 7th October at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
"We are talking about the form. Yes, they are not in good form at the moment but we are talking about a cup final here. Look at the squad. They have a good squad and it's a cup final against Sundowns. It's a tough game that you cannot predict, but they cannot allow to be defeated twice by the same team in a short space of time.
"This chance comes once in a year and Pirates won't it slip away. They will fight hard to defend their trophy and though Sundowns are good, Pirates will win this one. It will be a different ball game altogether compared to the league game. When you play a league game, you know you still have other 29 games to play in the season, but a cup final comes once and they will fight to win it," Kamwendo concluded.
Pirates host Jwaneng in the second leg preliminary round clash at the Orlando Stadium on Friday 29 September at 19:30.
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