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Bucs Brazilian Marcelo’s Soweto derby debut looms large

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Marcelo da Silva. Picture: File
Marcelo da Silva. Picture: File

Orlando Pirates’ new recruit Marcelo da Silva is likely to be handed his first Soweto derby cap on Saturday.

This was hinted at by Bucs assistant Rulani Mokwena, as he outlined his team’s plans and state of readiness ahead of the Absa Premiership clash that Pirates host at FNB Stadium.

Da Silva, from Brazil, was spotted during the Project X development tour by Pirates in his home country early this year and has gone on to become a regular in the Bucs line-up.

The 20-year-old has featured in all of Pirates’ last three matches in all competitions since his debut against Golden Arrows at the beginning of this month.

The former Nova Iguaçu FC defender is yet to be tested but Mokwena maintains the youngster has the character to withstand the pressure in a game as epic as the Soweto derby.

The Bucs deputy coach went as far as drawing comparisons between Da Silva and Mamelodi Sundowns defender Ricardo Nascimento, with whom Mokwena previously worked at the defending league champions a few seasons ago.

“He [Da Silva] comes to a completely different environment at a club of this magnitude [Pirates] and then being able to stamp his authority the way he has speaks of his ability to withhold and withstand the pressure – and that’s what the derby is all about,” Mokwena pointed out.

“And you’ll never know because he has never played the derby before. He’s never played big games, per se, in Brazil. [But] games of these magnitude [like the Soweto derby], whether you are ready or not, you only know when the game kicks off.”

Mokwena said the team expected Da Silva to maintain the same composure even if he’s thrown into the deep end against the Amakhosi side that was expected to unleash speedy attackers spearheaded by Khama Billiat, who was among the key Chiefs players who were rested at the weekend.

“If you look at his [Da Silva’s] character and personality – put yourselves in his shoes – you’re a 20-year-old in a foreign country, you can’t speak a word of English, and you left your family behind and you are about to embark on possibly the biggest step in your football career. The boy has done this with aplomb and with no complaints.

“We expect him to continue playing in more derbies. Maybe this will possibly be one of the many.

“We invested in a young boy who we think can lead Pirates to even greater and more successful years in the future. We want to invest more than 90 minutes in him.”

Mokwena said the player was trying his level best to understand instructions and even go beyond – watching his games and doing analyses in Portuguese.

Pirates goalkeeper Jackson Mabokgwane also weighed in on Da Silva’s presence in the Buccaneers’ team.

“We are already used to each other and he is surrounded by good leadership. We are comfortable with him. He understands the football language. Which is the same everywhere.”

Why Bucs specifically signed Da Silva

“We needed one more centreback that allowed us to play from the back and who’s left-footed and had the Brazilian element with regards to the technical comfort and ability to read the team and engage in situations – in deciding when to pass and the range of the pass. From that perspective you could possibly make a comparison with Nascimento. The difference with this one [Marcelo], he is younger with potential to be a hell of a lot better and an export to Europe because of the Brazilian tag.

“Technically, you can compare him with Nascimento because they’re both comfortable on the ball – also strong in the air.

“We know the work he still needs to do; we are not oblivious to that.”

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