Former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Teko Modise has issued a stern warning to Orlando Pirates not to underestimate their Saturday rivals based on their disappointing season.
The Sea Robbers are set to clash with Kaizer Chiefs in the final of the Nedbank Cup at Moses Mabhida Stadium, with kick-off set for 15:00.
The seasoned midfielder, now retired, plied his trade for the Buccaneers from 2007 to 2012 before his high-profile move to Sundowns. He was featured in 82 matches, scoring 10 goals and providing 15 assists.
Modise participated in several Soweto Derby matches during his tenure with Pirates and has first-hand experience in formulating a winning strategy for this showdown.
In an exclusive interview with Hollywoodbets Sports Blog, he reckoned that Chiefs’ having an underwhelming season does not make things easier for Pirates as this game might be a turning point for the Glamour Boys.
“Let’s not make the mistake of thinking that Kaizer Chiefs are coming to this match as the underdogs. That would be the biggest mistake for Orlando Pirates to think that Kaizer Chiefs are underdogs,” said Modise.
“Just because Orlando Pirates have been playing CAF (Champions League), the (Chiefs) position on the log suggests that they are not better than Orlando Pirates. For all those factors that matter from a naked eye, this is not a game that relies on the naked eye.
Chiefs have not tasted silverware since the 2014/2015 season. They had a disastrous campaign and are currently fighting for a top-eight finish. Modise believes that their situation makes them a dangerous team to play against.
“It’s a game that might change fortunes for Kaizer Chiefs, to get better, bring back confidence, fans and joy. This is a game that means so much to Kaizer Chiefs than it does to Orlando Pirates. To play against a team like that is dangerous,” he continued.
The Nasreddine Nabi-led team was edged by their arch-rivals 2-1 on Saturday in a Betway Premiership match, and this extended their losing run to five matches across all competitions. They last defeated Pirates in February 2023.
The 42-year-old feels that Chiefs will need to bring the intensity that they showed in their 2-1 win against Sundowns in the semi-finals to enhance their chances. He added that their advantage is that they have been able to watch their opponents compete in crucial games.
With Nabi’s inconsistent lineup, Modise feels that Amakhosi are the dark horse due to being unpredictable.
“If they could show so much confidence against Mamelodi Sundowns in the semi-finals, they should be able to tap into that if they really want to cause an upset.
“The advantage for Chiefs would be knowing what Orlando Pirates is bringing. You’ve been watching them the whole season, they don’t make too many changes. You’ve seen them in CAF, in significant games, the lineup and how they structure themselves, so you know what they are coming with,”Modise concluded.